In an effort to make parliamentary proceedings more accessible and transparent to the public, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse, recently took Parliament to the people of Serowe. This historic event took place at the Main Kgotla in Serowe, where the Speaker engaged directly with the community to discuss Parliament’s role, its activities, and how citizens can be more actively involved in the decision-making process.
The initiative, called Taking Parliament to the People, aims to bring Parliament closer to the people of Botswana, ensuring that citizens have a better understanding of the work done in Parliament while providing them with a platform to express their views and feedback on national issues. Hon. Keorapetse explained that the primary goal of this initiative is to engage, educate, consult, and gather feedback from the nation on matters related to Parliament business.
A Platform for Engagement and Education
The Taking Parliament to the People initiative is not just about holding meetings; it is about fostering a deeper connection between the public and the government. The Speaker’s outreach aims to demystify the workings of Parliament, making it clear that it is not a distant institution but one that serves the needs and interests of the citizens.
By holding consultations at the Kgotla, which is a traditional space for community gatherings, the Speaker ensured that Parliament met people where they are, allowing for a more intimate and open conversation. This platform allowed community members to ask questions, raise concerns, and discuss topics that directly affect them. Whether it’s laws being passed, upcoming debates, or how Parliamentarians represent their constituencies, the Speaker’s initiative aimed to make the public feel more involved and informed.
Hon. Keorapetse emphasized the importance of public participation, stating, “It is crucial that the doors of Parliament are open to the public, allowing citizens to take an active role in decisions made within the chambers. The government belongs to the people, and it is only through their active participation that we can strengthen our democracy.”
Extending the Reach: Serowe, Selibe Phikwe, and Mmadinare
While the outreach event in Serowe was a resounding success, the initiative does not end there. The Speaker has planned a series of consultations across different towns and regions to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to engage with Parliament. In addition to Serowe, the initiative is covering Selibe Phikwe and Mmadinare, with plans to expand to other parts of the country in the coming months.
This strategic expansion reflects the Speaker’s commitment to inclusivity and the belief that every citizen, regardless of where they live, should have a voice in the democratic process. By reaching out to communities across the country, the initiative seeks to address regional disparities in political engagement and ensure that Parliament’s work resonates with the diverse needs and concerns of all citizens.
Building a Stronger Democracy Through Active Participation
The Taking Parliament to the People initiative is part of a broader push to strengthen Botswana’s democracy by encouraging transparency, accountability, and civic participation. Public consultation helps ensure that decisions made in Parliament reflect the will and needs of the people. Moreover, it encourages a culture of informed voting, where citizens understand the policies that shape their lives and can contribute meaningfully to national debates.
Hon. Keorapetse’s initiative is a timely reminder that democracy is not a passive experience but an active one. For a democracy to function effectively, citizens must not only have the right to vote but also the right to participate in discussions, understand the workings of their government, and hold elected officials accountable.
By taking Parliament to the people, the Speaker is helping to bridge the gap between government and the public, ensuring that democracy is truly participatory. This initiative also creates an opportunity for Parliamentarians to directly address public concerns and receive feedback that can guide future legislation.
The Future of Taking Parliament to the People
As the initiative expands across Botswana, the impact of these consultations will likely become even more profound. By empowering citizens to engage with Parliament, Hon. Keorapetse is fostering a greater sense of ownership and pride in the democratic process. Additionally, these interactions help Parliamentarians better understand the priorities and challenges facing different communities, allowing for more effective and responsive governance.
In the long run, Taking Parliament to the People could become a cornerstone of Botswana’s democratic practices, ensuring that citizens are not only spectators but active participants in the decisions that shape their lives. It is a model for strengthening democratic institutions and creating a government that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.
As the initiative continues, it will be interesting to see how the feedback from these consultations influences national policies and the work of Parliament. What is certain is that Hon. Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse’s commitment to making Parliament more accessible and participatory will leave a lasting legacy on Botswana’s democratic landscape.
