Minister gets ultimatum on declaration of assets

Members of Parliament issued an ultimatum on Friday to the Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration Lesego Motsumi to table a Bill on Declaration of Assets and Liabilities by national leaders before end of the year or they will back efforts by Gaborone Central MP Dumelang Saleshando to drive the matter forward.

They said that if she fails to table the bill, which has been pending for 12 years, they would have no option but to support the one mooted by Saleshando. The deadline comes after Motsumi revealed that she intends to bring a bill on declaration of assets following the tabling of a motion by Saleshando two weeks ago. The Gaborone Central MP failed to get permission from Parliament to draft and table a private members bill on the issue.

On Friday, maverick Francistown East MP, Wynter Mmolotsi told the House that he was ready to declare his assets and liabilities saying it would save him from members of the public who believe that MPs are overpaid. "Even if you were to give me a piece of paper right now, I would write down my list of belongings and liabilities and continue with the debate.  It won't even take five minutes of my time," he stated.

Editor's Comment
Time to end informal sector fronting

The Francistown Umbrella Informal Sector chairperson, David Mbulawa, has highlighted this growing concern, revealing that many local traders are using their licences to facilitate the entry of foreign goods into the market at a fee.Fronting undermines the very fabric of our local economy. It allows foreign traders to exploit the system designed to benefit Batswana, using local licences to cross borders and sell goods at prices intended for local...

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