Mmegi

The real business begins

Cabinet retreat. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG.
Cabinet retreat. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG.

When Cabinet Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and Permanent Secretaries gathered for a two-day retreat, their objectives were clear.

The retreat sought to review government policies, build stronger relationships among participants, and train them on the intricacies of government processes. This initiative was a crucial step for the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which has been in power for two months and is eager to gain momentum. The retreat was also aimed at addressing public criticism that the UDC government was merely implementing ousted Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) policies. To counter this narrative, the programme included a dedicated session on developing a shared understanding of the UDC manifesto and its relevance to the government’s agenda. Additionally, the participants were sensitised on accelerating proposed key legislative and policy reforms, emphasising the new administration's commitment to meaningful change. In his opening address, President Duma Boko stressed the gravity of public service. He reminded attendees that they had chosen to stand for election and that citizens now look up to them for leadership. “This is the time to confront entrenched thoughts and actions. We must rise above the confines of context and redefine our approach,” the President declared.

He encouraged the participants to critically evaluate inherited institutions and avoid treating them as immutable or sacrosanct. He further urged the attendees to adopt a rights-based approach when addressing national issues. He argued that this perspective would guide necessary constitutional reforms, ensuring that it evolves to address emerging human rights concerns. Boko also emphasised the need for teamwork, saying: “We need one another; we cannot operate in isolation.” He encouraged participants to use the retreat as an opportunity to understand their roles, powers and limitations. “The reason we see so many administrative cases in court is that some officials exceed their boundaries,” the President noted.

He advised them to exercise sound judgment, avoid signing documents without proper review, and carefully consult their private secretaries when necessary. When giving the welcome remarks, the Minister for State President, Moeti Mohwasa said the landing has not been easy, but that, in his humble view, that was to be expected, because there was a change of government in the history of Botswana. “This 13th Cabinet of our Republic assumed office just over two (2) months ago and has, amongst other obligations, held four (4) regular meetings to deliberate on the serious business of delivering on the mandate given to us by the people of this country. At our Ministries where we are expected to provide effective political leadership, or at Cabinet, where we tender advice to the President to make important national decisions, we have learnt a lot,” he said. He, however, said they have been introduced to what a Cabinet Agenda looks like, Cabinet Memorandum, Cabinet Information Note, Presidential Directives, Cabinet Manual, Green Book, Regular, Special and Other Meetings of Cabinet, amongst other important instruments in their operations.

The Minister said there has been a lot to take in and therefore, he cannot claim to have absorbed and understood everything they have been guided on, hence the importance of the retreat. Some of the things that would be discussed at the retreat include briefing them about National Development Plan (NDP), to develop a common protocol standards and conduct expected of them in formal situations, to develop a common understanding of the process of utilising and managing public funds. Furthermore, the members would be sensitised on the importance of maintaining integrity and ethical behaviour that befits their status and also to provide reflections on the deliberations and way forward. They will also be taught on benefits and privileges accorded to them and other political leadership, as per the Green book.

Members would discuss on enriching and sustaining harmonious working relations amongst the leadership, and they will be equipped on understanding the roles and responsibilities of the Executive, including powers of the President, members of Cabinet, Permanent Secretary to the President and Permanent Secretaries. They will also be sensitised on Cabinet processes, decision making, implementation of Cabinet decisions, code of conduct and Cabinet etiquette.

Editor's Comment
UDC's 100 Days: Please deliver your promises!

We duly congratulate them to have ousted the long ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from power. Prior to taking power from the BDP, the coalition had made several election promises that are credited for influencing change and swaying the people to vote in its favour.The party had made an undertaking, which its leader and President Duma Boko consistently bellowed in his campaign trail. These undertakings were promises that Batswana would be...

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