23 Feb 2025

Member of Parliament for Charleshill who is also Assistant Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Mr Motsamai Motsamai, has called for Parliament to engage interpreters to facilitate discussions in indigenous languages. 

Mr Motsamai expressed his belief that while he may not be eloquent in English, he is proficient in his native Sekgalagadi, emphasising the importance of allowing legislators to present arguments in their own languages. “If I want to debate in Sekgalagadi, it must be allowed,” he stated, advocating for greater inclusivity in parliamentary proceedings.

Commenting on Vice President and Finance Minister, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe’s budget proposals, Mr Motsamai acknowledged the proposals,which he described as a roadmap for the new government’s efforts to tackle poverty, unemployment, and other economic challenges. 

He stressed the need to bolster the livestock sector as a key focus of the budget, highlighting its potential to uplift the livelihoods of citizens.

“The livestock sub-sector is crucial for improving the lives of our people,” he noted. He further asserted that the country’s natural resources should empower local economies, encouraging those reliant on wildlife to develop trusts and sustainable income streams within the sector.

Mr Motsamai pointed out that livestock farming forms the backbone of the economies in Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, and many regions of Botswana. 

To combat livestock crime, he proposed that the farming communities in Ghanzi be integrated into the Ipelegeng program, recognising the valuable volunteer efforts in this area. 

Addressing critical challenges, Mr Motsamai highlighted the struggles of livestock farmers in Ghanzi, especially regarding water scarcity due to salinity. 

He urged the government to assist farmers in drilling boreholes, as many have faced significant losses from unsuccessful attempts to access clean underground water.

He also mentioned the potential for irrigation farming and fodder production in areas like Karkubis, which reportedly has abundant underground water resources. 

Additionally, he proposed relocating the collection of matimela cattle to the Ministry of Land and Agriculture, emphasizing the need for a more effective management approach.

Mr Motsamai raised concern on the outbreak of lumpy skin disease in Ghanzi and Kgalagadi which was currently ravaging cattle, hence pleaded for government intervention. ENDS