09 Apr 2024

Botswana speaks online platform is a necessary development that presents opportunities for constituents to participate in the democratic process wherever they are.

Speaking at the Botswana Speaks activation in Thabala on Tuesday, Member of Parliament for Serowe South Mr Leepetswe Lesedi said the event aimed to raise awareness, scale up registration of constituents as well as increase their participation on the platform. This, he said this was made possible by the introduction of free internet through SmartBots at different spots across the country, which accorded constituents an opportunity to connect to the Internet to access Botswana Speaks.

Furthermore, he noted Botswana Speaks was a parliamentary initiative aimed at enhancing democracy through public participation and policy dialogue. 

“This online platform allows constituents to send messages directly to their Member of Parliament t using computers, laptops and smartphones. It facilitates conversation between the two parties” Mr Lesedi said.

He emphasised that the initiative promoted efficiency by digitally connecting constituents with their elected representatives.  The MP informed constituents that there was a Botswana Speaks representative at Serowe South constituency office who was equipped to help those experiencing challenges in registering on the online platform.  

Mr Lesedi said he was aware of crimes happening on the internet and reassured constituents that there were laws in place such as the Cyber-crime Law and Data Protection Act to address such issues. 

For her part, Human resource and admin manager from the National Assembly Ms Bonolo Mokone implored constituents to register on the platform to track if their elected representatives still had their interests at heart, thus holding those elected into power accountable.  

“Botswana Speaks accords you the opportunity to interact with your Member of Parliament, you air out what you want to see done in your constituency and advise where possible, you can also ask your Member of Parliament to intercede for you if you were unable to find help somewhere. 

The good thing is that you can do that anonymously if you do not wish to reveal your identity,” Ms Mokone said.  Kgosi Abel Kgaboyarona of Thabala said residents were not aware of the online platform, noting he was grateful that the Botswana Speaks campaign was rolled out to various parts of the country including his village.  He added that he was confident that constituents would utilise the platform fully  to update the Member of Parliament about the developments needed in the village because he could not always be able to meet with them all the time. ENDS