Mohwasa engages Religious leaders on Con Court

Opelo Rakereng | Monday February 2, 2026 06:00

The session addressed concerns over its scope, timelines, and role in tackling national issues such as corruption, while leaders urged safeguards, clearer mandates, and prioritisation of the ongoing constitutional review.

Mohwasa emphasized that the court aims to empower ordinary Batswana to exercise their rights, not create new laws or solely focus on divisive topics like the death penalty or same-sex marriages. “The Constitutional Court is for the people,” he stated, pointing to corruption as a prime target. He cited shortages of medicine in the Ministry of Health as an example of systemic failures the court could address through accountability. Religious leaders raised pointed suggestions.

Dorothy Ditsela called for a government-imposed time limit to test the court’s effectiveness, questioning, “What will be done if it does not work?” Moruti Sone advocated adding freedom of worship provisions to protect children from attending their parents’ or guardians’ churches against their will. Moruti Samuel Kedibonye highlighted sidelined Batswana with valid residency papers, urging the court to resolve such citizenship and rights issues. Israel Donora flagged confusion between the Constitutional Court and the ongoing constitutional review, advising the government to “finish what they started first.”

In response, Moeti clarified that planning is deliberate to avoid rushed initiatives requiring revisits every five years, unlike periodic reviews. He noted a recent study on ensuring the court’s functionality and invited churches to advise on its operations. The minister dismissed notions that beneficiaries of the current system oppose the court, insisting it serves everyday citizens. “Those benefiting from the status quo may resist, but this is about rights for all,” he said. Churches were encouraged to contribute guidance on proceedings.

This engagement reflects growing public and stakeholder input as Botswana advances constitutional reforms. The Constitutional Court, envisioned as a specialized body to interpret the Constitution and check executive overreach, builds on years of debate. Proponents argue it will streamline justice, reduce backlogs in higher courts, and enforce accountability amid rising corruption allegations in public sectors.

Critics, including some leaders present, worry about overlapping mandates with the constitutional review process, launched in recent years to modernize the 1966 document. That review, expected to culminate in recommendations, operates on a five-year cycle, prompting Tonora’s caution against parallel efforts. Moeti’s responses underscored measured progress. “We are making sure we start the initiative not in a rush, with proper planning,” he reiterated, addressing fears of inefficiency.

The meeting aligns with President Duma Boko’s administration’s push for judicial strengthening, amid local headlines on governance lapses. No timeline for the court’s launch was announced, but religious input signals broader consultations ahead. Stakeholders praised the dialogue’s openness. “Churches can help advise on how to conduct things in the Con Court,” Moeti added, positioning faith groups as partners.