08 Apr 2024

The use of technology and online platforms is inevitable and Batswana should appreciate and utilise such to improve their lives, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bobonong has said.

Speaking during a Botswana Speaks activation event at Bobonong kgotla April 5, Mr Taolo Lucas called on electorate to tap into the platform to raise issues and share ideas with him.

The platform, Botswana Speaks, is said to be a seamless and quick connection between electorate and their MP who would then relay their concerns and or issues to the relevant ministries and departments.

For constituents to qualify for registration, they are required to produce an identity document (Omang), avail an email address and a cellphone number that is in use.

They learnt that to use the platform they were required to possess a smartphone as the platform was not compatible with non-smart gadgets.

The activation that comprised village leaderships from across the constituency was graced by among others dikgosi, members of village development committees and faith-based organisations. The MP, therefore, appealed to attendants to disseminate the information to the communities. He also stressed the importance of technology and online platforms in modern day era, saying avoidance of such would be detrimental to people’s lives.

“Just yesterday (April 4) we gathered here for a virtual memorial service which was held in Gaborone…that shows the power of technology,” he said. “I’m now wondering if you’d be in a position to accept my proposal to hold virtual kgotla meetings with you in future when that time arrives?”

Mr Lucas said holding virtual kgotla meetings was a possibility to exploit in future provided dikgotla get requisite equipment and internet connectivity through SmartBots.

 He forewarned electorates that reality of online platforms and virtual events was a phenomenon they should accept and live with.

While conceding that technology posed a challenge to most adult populace, Mr Lucas appealed to them to desist from technological shyness.

 For those who were still challenged with technology and use of online platforms, he advised that they sought assistance from their tech savvy children.

Alternatively, the constituents were advised to use IT officer at the MP’s office.

 “Of recent you realised that you had to go online to register for Temo Letlotlo program. This is a testament that online platforms are the way of life these days,” he added.

Cllr Moalosi Afa of Borotsi/Lepokole said Botswana Speaks platform came at an opportune time when Botswana was shifting more towards the use of technology.

“We can’t run away from the use of technology, we risk being left behind if we don’t utilise this platform,” he said.

The platform, he said, would stimulate formulation of ideas for MP to table at parliament.

He said their ideas would reach the MP unfettered since the platform would cut the long route of going through councillors and others before reaching the Member of Parliament. ENDS