Civil participation vital

Mmegi Editor | Friday March 17, 2017 11:32

Lately we have witnessed a resurgence of civil society movements making their views known to the public. Trade Unions such as Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU), Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU), Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) and Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) and National Amalgamated, Central, Local Government and Parastatals Workers Union – (Manual Workers union), Botswana Secondary Teachers Union (BOSETU), Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) and others are  standing up to be counted, taking a lead in stating their positions on issues of national interest. They do so by buying newspaper space and going on radio to air their views while others host talk shows or call press conferences to speak out. This is commendable.

Ditshwanelo has also come on board, and making its position known on main issues that concern us. Botswana Network of Ethics and Law (BONELA), although in some instances it seems bent on imposing western practices and cultures on Batswana, should also be commended for fully participating in our democracy.

We have also heard from religious organisations, although limited. Democratic participation should not be left to the politicians, lawyers and journalists only.

Participation should not be selective either. For instance, it would be crucial to hear opinions of all aforementioned on issues pertaining to the economy, rule of law, and other socio-political issues affecting people on a daily basis. For instance, it does not help to hear Ditshwanelo condemning the death penalty when it had been silent on rising violent crimes all along.

The role of the civil society in a democracy cannot be emphasised.  Religious organisations should not be ashamed of speaking against the relationship between the three arms of Government, unemployment, and taking a position on any disturbing developments. 

BOFEPUSU on the other hand should not shy away from speaking against some practices that they feel are un-African, should take a position on social issues in general, or even go to Court to challenge something they deem a threat to our culture and identity that which they feel poses a threat to the country’s economy.

They should not focus on political issues only. It is high time the civil society employs or engages people with special skills such as economics, public administration, human rights issues, environmental issues, public health, and others, for advise. We want to hear religious organisations comment on the budget, elections, etc. The way forward is for the civil society to come together once or twice a year, in a Pitso to discuss these issues of national interest.

The platform should not just be a talk shop but should have resolutions and committees that do follow-ups on matters agreed upon. Of course the platform should not take away the sovereignty of each organisation and/or the organisation’s right to pursue matters of national interest either through Courts or other avenues.

 

Today’s thought 

“No fundamental social change occurs merely because government acts. It’s because civil society, the conscience of a country, begins to rise up and demand - demand - demand change.” 

– Joe Biden