Moatlhodi supports youth parliament

Young people attending ongoing political empowerment workshops complained that government is not doing enough in addressing their issues and concerns.

They recommended that they want their parliament to be equivalent to the Ntlo Ya Dikgosi in advising government on their concerns as the youth.

In an interview with Monitor last week, Moatlhodi said that he doesn't have any problem with a youth parliament that has advisory powers akin to Ntlo Ya Dikgosi, 'as the youth are suggesting'.

He said other countries do that and 'I don't see anything wrong about us establishing it,' says Moatlhodi.

The Tonota legislator said there are donors who are willing to help in financing such a project and 'we are ready'. Moatlhodi says before the end of the current meeting of parliament, the task force should have handed its report to the CPA committee.

'I think if you can check me this week, I will be in a position to tell you something about it,' he advised. 

The CPA chair revealed that as the Botswana parliament they are doing something to bring the young people on board. 'There is a committee responsible for gender and youth affairs though it's not yet functional. It has just been formed,' said Moatlhodi.

He said it's a blessing to have a Ministry of Youth, which also helps parliament with youth issues. 'We always refer the youth to the ministry for guidance whenever there are any youth affairs and concerns,' said Moatlhodi.

Former Member of youth parliamentarian and Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, now Botswana representative at the Commonwealth for Youth Caucus, Batsho Nthoi said they do not want a parliament that do not have the powers to change the laws and effect change.

'Ours was just a democracy researcher which we don't want,' said Nthoi, adding, 'we need something of the Ntlo Ya Dikgosi type where government can get advise to develop laws, policies and programmes for the young people'.

He said it's time for a change and government should realise that youth are part and parcel of nation building. The young attorney however, advised that it is not supposed to be political where representation will be by political party affiliation.

'There has to be a formula for fair across the board representation, and all the sectors of young people should be represented in this parliament,' said Nthoi.

According to him, Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) should be involved fully in the formation and coordination of the project with concerned stakeholders 'including the CPA,' proposed Nthoi, also a former coordinator of the Africa Region Youth Caucus (ARYC) at the Commonwealth.

BNYC executive director, Pauline Jonas supports the idea, as it will enhance youth participation in the democratic process.

But she said even if it doesn't have powers equivalent to that of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi, 'it has to have a role in terms of educating the youth'.

Jonas advised that it has to form a communicating structure where youth issues would be channeled to the main parliament.

'Also, primary schools should not be left out in this process as they are tomorrow's future,' said the youth chief. 

The youth parliament was a tripartite initiative of BNYC, district youth councils and the Botswana parliament with the help of the CPA. It is currently under review and the report is expected before the end of the year.