27 Aug 2020

Central District Council is currently reviewing standing orders in an effort to improve efficiency and productivity amongst other things, Bobirwa Sub-district councillors heard Tuesday.

A team of five councillors, led by committee chairperson, Mr Gobuamang Sethaba, and some council staff, amongst them a state counsel, consulted Bobirwa Sub District councillors primarily to get their input on the proposed amendments to the standing orders.

Though generally in consonance with the new additions to the standing orders, some of which were derived from North East, North West District councils, Gaborone and Francistown City councils as well as Parliament, some councillors were not happy with some changes.

Amongst the proposals is the introduction of leader of the house, a role that would be played by deputy council chairperson. Also, to be introduced is the position of leader of opposition, opposition whip and clarity on the duties of chief whip.

Further, the proposed amendments seek to bring clarity on passing of motion of no confidence on council chairperson and deputy, subordinate council chairpersons and their deputies as well as committee chairpersons and their deputies.

In the previous council, prior to the 2019 general election, three subordinate council chairpersons faced motions of no confidence but survived owing to lack of clarity. 

Subsequently, the sub-district chairpersons were reinstated by the then minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Frans van der Westhuizen. Palapye Administrative Authority, Serowe Administrative Authority and Bobirwa Sub-council all attempted to remove their chairpersons via motions of no confidence.

Under the new standing orders, chairpersons subjected to motions of no confidence would be accorded opportunities to defend themselves. When approved, a motion of no confidence must be in writing detailing reasons such as misuse of council funds and or resources, mismanagement of council, derelict of duty as a member and failure to disclose conflict of interest.

“For the motion to be levied it must be passed by a two thirds majority of council members and or committee members,” reads part of the proposal.

Though cognisant of the fact that it was a draft, some councillors were not at ease with introduction of leader of the house, duties of which shall be performed by the deputy council chairperson as borrowed from Parliament where Vice President plays such a role.

Though viewed as decentralisation of power and ‘division of labour’ amongst council leadership, Councillor Johannes Gaosekelwe expressed reservations about the proposed introduction of leader of the house role arguing that it sought to put the council house into disarray.

He argued that based on his observation on performance of the leader of the house, the position holder usually abused their position to oppress those in opposition and minority.

Cllr Gaosekelwe further argued for remunerations attached to the positions, a suggestion that was shot down on the grounds that remunerations were not part of standing orders. He was insistent that such positions without accompanying power and remuneration rendered holders ‘toothless bulldogs.’

Cllr Motseothata Mafoko advocated for the inclusion of leader of the minority. He contended that councillors in opposition should not be bundled as just opposition councillors. He argued that the position would allow for not just inclusivity, but would accord the position holder opportunity to lead the minority views at council.

Another of the amendments that elicited councillors’ strong opposing views was the proposed introduction of members attendance register as a duty for council secretary. The secretary is also proposed to keep motions and council resolutions logs.

Cllr Victor Mphee argued that councillors needed not strict monitoring and supervision. He asserted that the conduct of a few councillors could not force amendments to standing orders.

His position was that chairpersons should be bestowed with powers to discipline councillors who derelict their duties rather than devise a rule that would prove cumbersome to discharge. “We sometimes give too much power to the wrong things to a point where we appear to be glorifying them,” argued Cllr Mphee, adding councillors were honourable enough to conduct themselves as expected.

Consultations on the proposed standing orders continue.  BOPA