Speaker thwarts factional collusion

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Friday August 21, 2009 00:00

However, in a surprise move, the Speaker granted the floor to the mover of the bill, the Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration Margaret Nasha, to debate despite protests from the House. MPs argued that it was unprocedural to grant her the floor while she is the owner of the bill.

She went ahead nonetheless, and for more than two hours Nasha ridiculed her male counterparts who have opposed the bill, labelling them cowards who feel threatened by the participation of women in politics. She said Batswana must change their attitude towards articulate and independent women in society. 'It is mental slavery in this country. When a woman displays characteristics of independence, she is labelled all sorts of degrading names like Tsogareomane, Gaatsane and Poo. This is not fair on us,' she lamented.

She stated that she was not ashamed of having gone to Parliament by means of the specially elected dispensation, saying she had delivered for the country. She added that this country would not go far if there was no tolerance of women.  At times, the minister who was visibly angered by the comments of her male colleagues, often verged very close to un-parliamentary language.

Nasha turned her anger on the staff of Ntlo ya Dikgosi Secretariat, saying they had chosen only comments of members who were against the bill and ignored the fact that they had agreed to let it through. She said that she was going to have a meeting with them.

Earlier, the MP for Francistown West Tshelang Masisi had said he did not want the bill to pass because the government had said there was no money for infrastructural development and sponsoring students for tertiary education. Further, Masisi said the leadership of this country could not be trusted that it will nominate women for the special seats.

He said that he did not want the youth considered for special nomination because they are troublesome and intolerant of each other. 'Ba a re tlhakatlhakanyetsa, le mo diphathing baa kobana,' he said.

The House adjourned with Calvin Batsile on the floor. The debate continues today.