MPs, Dikgosi urged to forge strong ties
Opelo Rakereng | Friday December 19, 2025 14:38
The event marked the first voluntary joint gathering of both houses under one roof. It aimed to boost social cohesion and tackle national challenges through collaboration.
Keorapetse told attendees that mutual acquaintance is key to shared goals. “It is important for MPs and Ntlo ya Dikgosi to know each other, to help one another to create an independent parliament that they wish for,” he said.
He called for digital reforms to enhance efficiency and transparency. These include dedicated TV channels for select committee sessions. “As parliament, we are the suppliers of democracy,” Keorapetse declared.
The Speaker also pushed for standardized operational procedures. He said these would streamline law-making and committee functions, ensuring agility and better resources for MPs, Dikgosi, and staff.
Chairperson of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi Kgosi Malope II praised the initiative as a breakthrough. “Today marks an undeniable milestone in the social cohesion of our nation. We are gathered under one roof of this country for the first time in the history of Botswana,” Malope said.
He fully endorsed Keorapetse’s blueprint for a “high-profile, independent, well-resourced, digitized, and agile Parliament with capacitated MPs, Dikgosi, and staff.” Malope stressed unity rooted in cultural traditions. “As Dikgosi, we believe in nation-building from the customs level to cultivate social order and cohesion,” he stated.
He tied the message to Botswana’s Vision 2036. The national blueprint promotes self-reliance, heritage pride, and confidence in the future. Malope said the workshop launches ongoing cooperation on mutual interests and pressing issues.
Both leaders quoted global figures on teamwork. Malope cited Nelson Mandela: “If you want cooperation of humans around you, you must make them feel they are important. And you do that by being human and healthy.”
The session targeted capacity-building for parliamentary staff, MPs, and Dikgosi. Keorapetse and Malope urged sustained commitment. They positioned the event as a starting point for parliamentary synergy.