Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Dithapelo Keorapetse, has called on the Southern Africa Development Community Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) to join hands with Botswana in its ongoing democratic and institutional transformation journey.
Speaking during a courtesy call by SADCOPAC delegates in Gaborone yesterday, Keorapetse highlighted Botswana’s long-standing reputation as a beacon of democratic stability in Africa. He pointed out that for nearly six decades, the country has maintained a multiparty democratic system without veering into autocratic governance or military rule.
“Botswana has never postponed an election, never slid into one-party rule, and has steered clear of military interference in governance. That is a record we are proud of,” Keorapetse stated. “However, the strength of a democracy is not in its past achievements alone, but in its ability to evolve, self-correct, and embrace accountability.”
The Speaker acknowledged that although Botswana’s democracy has stood the test of time, it faces challenges when evaluated against global benchmarks that measure the independence and strength of democratic institutions.
He specifically cited concerns regarding the autonomy of Parliament, the judiciary, and key oversight institutions such as the Independent Electoral Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the anti-corruption agency. Keorapetse emphasized that these pillars of democracy must operate independently and effectively if Botswana is to enhance its democratic credentials and ensure transparency in governance.
Keorapetse encouraged SADCOPAC to play a strategic role in supporting Botswana’s democratic renewal by sharing best practices, strengthening public accountability frameworks, and building institutional capacity.
“Our collaboration with regional bodies like SADCOPAC is critical. Together, we can ensure that public resources are managed responsibly, democratic principles are upheld, and public trust in our institutions is restored and maintained,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when Botswana is undertaking various reforms aimed at improving governance and reinforcing the role of Parliament and independent institutions in national development. The Speaker reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and peer support to advance democratic governance across Southern Africa.
The SADCOPAC visit is expected to foster stronger ties and enhance knowledge exchange among parliamentary oversight bodies in the region, paving the way for more accountable and transparent public sector management.
