Changes in cabinet
Staff Writer | Wednesday September 28, 2016 17:11
The Ministerial Offices (Maximum Number) Act (No.4) of 2016 commenced on the 16th September, 2016, and increased the number of offices of Minister and Assistant Minister to eighteen (18) and ten (10) respectively. Consequently, His Excellency the President has reorganized and re-designated Government Portfolio Ministries as follows:
Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration - Coordinate Government affairs and public administration. Good Governance ensures that corruption and maladministration are not tolerated in all sectors of the economy. Furthermore, it enhances democracy and the rule of law. All stakeholders, Government institutions, private sector, civil society organisations and citizens must be accountable to the public. They should be timeously responsive and put in place effective and efficient processes that meet the demands of society, while making the best use of resources at their disposal.
Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security - No changes to the functions
Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security - Food security emphasizes that as a nation we need to increase the production of food locally, reduce the food import bill, create sustainable long term productive employment in the sector, diversify the agricultural sector through high - value added manufacturing of local foods as well as building a culture of consuming local foods, as a first choice.
Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development - Infrastructure relates to construction and maintenance of Government buildings. Housing Development focuses on ensuring that citizens have access to affordable housing or shelter and promotes home ownership through affordable Housing Schemes.
Ministry of Basic Education - Focuses on strengthening early childhood development and learning, pre-primary up to Senior Secondary Education.
Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism - Coordinates environmental issues and tourism development. Natural resources conservation involves conservation and development of forests, wetlands, fisheries, game reserves, wildlife and scenic sites management as well as conservation of protected and ecological areas.
Ministry of Finance and Economic Development - Responsible for coordination of national development planning monitoring implementation, mobilizing and managing financial and economic resources for achievement of inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development and overall national prosperity.
Ministry of International Affairs and Co-operation - Managing international relations and promoting Botswana's interests abroad as well as safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ministry of Health and Wellness - Apart from preventing diseases, the Ministry shall promote wellness through healthy living which entails nutrition, physical fitness, mental health and self care by citizens.
Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development - Deals with employer - employee relations, work place safety, health and environment, productivity across sectors and in the work place (work ethics) and vocational and skills development.
Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services - Proper land administration and management to facilitate socio economic development through land servicing. Furthermore, the sector ensures delivery of water and reuse of grey water for both domestic and agricultural development.
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development - No changes to functions
Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security - Coordinates Mineral Development and regulation of mining activities.
Green technology relates to, among others, the use of renewable energy (solar and solid waste for energy generation) to minimize environmental pollution. The combination of alternative energy sources would ensure energy sustainability and security.
Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry - No changes to functions
Ministry of Transport and Communications - No changes to functions
Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development - Youth empowerment initiatives are meant to empower young people to become active participants in the socio-economic development of the country. Development of Sport and Culture has the potential to diversify the economy, build character and promote our culture.
Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology - Responsible for policy on student financing, tertiary institutions and coordinating research science and technology development to transform to a knowledge based economy. Tertiary education focuses on producing graduates that are relevant to industry requirements.
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs - Safeguarding national identity, facilitating movement across borders, regulate residence and work permits, registration of societies and coordinating gender mainstreaming, by promoting equality.
The expansion and re-designation of the Ministerial portfolios is intended to ensure enhanced delivery and commitment by Government of its key priority areas, being the achievement of sustained economic development, diversification through citizen empowerment and accelerated job creation, especially among the youth, to ensure dignified livelihoods for all Batswana.
The changes will take effect from 01st October, 2016.
Carter N. Morupisi
Permanent Secretary To The President And Secretary To Cabinet