21 Aug 2024

The process of reviewing the Botswana National Library Service (BNLS) Act of 1967, to align it with modern information needs, has taken long to be completed due to the restructuring exercise taking place at the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture (MYSC).

This was highlighted by the MYSC Minister, Honourable Tumiso Rakgare when answering a question in Parliament on August 15.

Honourable Rakgare explained that the review process was at an advanced stage.

He however said after the Bill was finalised and was about to be verified with stakeholders in the profession of librarianship before submission to cabinet for approval, government took a decision to rationalise ministries, including MYSC.

He pointed that rationalisation of MYSC also entailed consideration for the Botswana National Library Services to merge with the Botswana National Archives and Records Services (BNARS).

“The two institutions have been established by separate Acts of Parliament and as such merging them would require that their pieces of legislation be reviewed. This is a process which requires thorough engagement with all concerned stakeholders,” explained the minister.

He further said recommendations by a consultant engaged for MYSC restructuring, would determine the next course of action regarding the review of the BNLS Act and that of the BNARS.  

Member of Parliament for Ghanzi South, Mr Motsamai Motsamai had asked the minister to explain why it took long for the BNLS Act to be reviewed in order to align it with modern needs. Ends