Govt to reduce age of maturity to 18 years

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Tuesday March 23, 2010 00:00

Member of Parliament for Mogoditshane Patrick Masimolole, who tabled the motion, argued that there was inconsistency in Botswana laws as some government ministries recognised somebody as mature at 21 years, while others did so at 18 years.

He cited a situation where an 18 year-old person is allowed to vote, to stand for elections and to hold a driver's licence, but can only acquire land at 21 years.

This, he said disadvantages the youth who may be trying to utilize government assistance schemes. Only a few MPs expressed reservations. Kagiso Molatlhegi of Gaborone South said he did not support the motion because 18 year olds are still young and dependent on their parents hence they were not mature enough to fend for themselves.

Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Lesego Motsumi admitted that there was inconsistency in some laws, a situation which disadvantaged the youth. She said that government would work towards addressing the problem.