Author: Daily News

A handing over of mobile X-Ray to Gumare Primary Hospital on Saturday was described by various speakers as evidence of government commitment to addressing healthcare challenges.
The Okavango District, being vast, with wetlands and bad terrains, has perculiar challenges that negatively impact access to services such as healthcare services.
Absence of these key  services, including X-Ray machines in Gumare, despite being the  district’s headquarters, meant residents of Okavango faced hardships and expenses. Some communities, such as Gudigwa in the Eastern Panhandle of the Delta, are about 306 kilometres away, while remote villages like Xaixai and Nxauxau are accessible by gravel roads, and Jao village lies in the floodplain reachable by air or  boat only. As a result, patients were forced to travel to neighboring districts such as Ghanzi and North West in Maun to access these services.
In an interview, nominated councilor who represented the Okavango District Council chairperson,  expressed gratitude for the X-ray mobile clinic as a worthwhile investment for the people of Gumare and Okavango as a whole since patients would receive the necessary services nearer.  Councillor Osefelepelo Gaebolae said  as a mobile clinic, the X-ray machine would also improve service delivery by being taken to other parts of the district when need arose.
Mr Gaebolae appreciated that of recently, a theater bed was also brought to Gumare hospital,  saying such swift response from the government was commendable.
In his remarks, Kgosi Moitshepi Molelwa of Gumare observed that Gumare Primary Hospital had a portable X-ray machine which was only reserved for critical patients in need of X-ray. Therefore, he said the X-ray mobile clinic was a welcome development and proved government’s commitment to heed challenges facing the nation.
Kgosi Molelwa further decried that the proposed upgraded primary hospital for Gumare had been deferred since National Development Plan 9 to date, although the community had offered land for the project.
A resident, Ms Sofiya Qhumorozi expressed happiness that X-ray services were finally available in Gumare which would help them as patients to cut costs from seeking such services in Maun adding that they sometimes went and came back without the sought after services  due to issues of high patients volume per day.
Gumare Primary Hospital family physician, Dr Ditiro Goitsemang said lack of crucial services such as X-ray machines overwhelmed health care officers since they had to refer patients as far as Maun while the roads were also bad leading to vehicles experiencing breakdowns in some instances.
For his part, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ignatius Moswaane said the government was committed to tackle challenges facing the health system.
He said the  government would ensure Batswana received necessary healthcare services and other relevant services from other ministries.
He said ministers and assistant ministers went around the country visiting government institutions to appreciate challenges on the ground and  provide support to public officers.
Mr Moswaane said the government would do an overhaul of the health system by providing necessary equipment and making lack of medicines a thing of the past.
The X-ray mobile clinic machine, he said was therefore a proof of government’s commitment to provide diagnostic equipment for patients to receive services nearer.
He said government continued to ensure medicines were available although not yet at 100 per cent.

The process of amending the constitution takes time and it is more urgent to develop a Constitutional Court where the citizens and interest groups within society could find recourse on their constitutional rights.

This was said by the Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa while addressing religious leaders in Gaborone on Thursday, as part of the ongoing public and stakeholder consultations on the enactment of a Constitutional Court.

He said the Constitutional Court could address issues such as those aggrieved by land tenure systems, electoral petitions, and the right to be protected from infringement on religious freedom. He cited the example of the case of Mr Pitseng Gaborekwe whose wish was to be buried in his ancestral land, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) but his family was denied that right by the judicial system including the existing tribunal of last instance, the Court of Appeal.

Giving background, Mr Mohwasa said after consultation with political parties at the All Parties Conference the government bill on the Constitutional Court was noticed on July 4 2025.

The Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2025, which seeks to establish the Constitutional Court of Botswana, was presented by Minister Mohwasa in Parliament last December, and passed through a third reading, and will now require a two thirds majority vote in the National Assembly within the first three months of this year to become law.

Mr Mohwasa said  government acknowledged that before the Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2025 was gazetted and tabled before Parliament, there should have been sufficient prior consultation.

He said the President recently admitted to that omission and asked for pardon from the Ntlo Ya Dikgosi, and the minister also expressed the same to religious leaders, citing that scriptural texts such as the Bible and the Quran preach forgiveness.

Mr Mohwasa said if the bill passed through a two thirds majority vote in Parliament, it would then be put to the public for an approval vote through a referendum.

He added that the UDC government was focused on uplifting the marginalised, and this had already manifested through increased old age pension scheme, the increase in the technical vocational education student allowance, relief on some outstanding water bills and tariff reductions.

He said the church had played a significant role in the struggle for the liberation of neighbouring South Africa and Zimbabwe, and called for the church to assist in the “parting of the Red Sea” and “bring down the walls of Jericho” to lead Batswana to the promised land.

Mr Modiri Tshutledi of the Botswana Muslim Association said there was a need to first address this loophole and develop and amended constitution after wide consultation and a referendum, before the Constitutional Court is adopted.

Bisho Mothusi Letlhage representing the Botswana Christian Council (BCC) also called for government to first work on exhausting the process of ammending the constitution before the Constitutional Court is developed.

Pastor Clyde Ketshabile of the Seventh Day Adventist Church said since the constitution was the supreme document that safeguards the interest of the nation, it was important for constitution to include clauses guarding the rights to health, education and the liberty of conscious, and institutions where people could find recourse if denied such rights.

Mr Japhta Radibe of Apostolic Faith Mission said government should not be in a hurry to introduce the Constitutional Court, and said he feared it could be used to pass reforms such as the abolition of the death penalty and corporal punishment as well as the introduction of same sex marriage.

He called for the bill to be withdrawn and wait for the constitutional review process.

Pastor Nchunga Nchunga said he supports the Constitutional Court since Batswana as a nation differ on many different constitutional matters and there was a need for an institution that would act as a fair arbiter on constitutional matters.

He said he did not subscribe to conspiracy theories of hidden agendas on the matter, saying that people have a tendency to allow their fears to generate unproven thoughts. Pastor Nchunga said he was also impressed by the humility of the President in apologising for the consultative process to having started late.

Rev Thabo Mampane of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Botswana said he supports gay and lesbian rights as well as the the abolition of the death penalty and “100 percent” supports the Constitutional Court as an institution that could guarantee the rights of all within society.

He said he had previously been concerned about the pace with which the process was taking place but had been assuredd by the minister’s presentation

The proposed establishment of a Constitutional Court through Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2025, has been a topic of significant debate, revolving around issues of legal framework, judicial independence and constitutionalism as well as prioritisation of needs. 

Proponents of the Constitutional Court argue that it will enhance legal certainty and accountability by providing a specialised forum for constitutional disputes. They also  believe it will contribute to the development of constitutional law in Botswana.

While opponents  express concerns about the piece meal amendments instead of the holistic approach into the review of the country’s constitution. This week government consultations with various stakeholders, district councils and MPs kgotla meetings has revealed that the establishment of a constitutional court remains a complex topic. 

In Lobatse Calviniah Kgautlhe reports that Lobatse councillors have unanimous expressed support for the establishment of a Constitutional Court, with a call for its location to be set in Lobatse. They made the resolution during a special full council meeting addressed by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana, on Tuesday.

During their submissions, nominated councillor, Mr Kago Malele emphasised the importance of ConCourt in strengthening Botswana’s legal framework and democratic ideals. He stated that as the country moved toward electoral reforms, the establishment of the Constitutional Court was crucial for safeguarding the constitutional rights of its citizens.

Councillor Malele further argued that financial considerations related to the Constitutional Court’s budget should not hinder its establishment. He proposed that Lobatse, previously home to the Court of Appeal, was an ideal location for this new court, suggesting that it could revitalise economy in Lobatse, a sentiment echoed by his fellow councillors.

Kgaboesele Ward Councillor, Ms Mathara Moreeng highlighted the historical significance of Lobatse, noting that it was where Botswana’s Constitution was first read. She asserted that setting the Constitutional Court in Lobatse would stimulate much-needed development in a town that had lagged behind in progress.

The endorsement for the court’s establishment was supported by  Thema/Motswedi Ward Councillor Mr Velem Heii, who said government was committed to human rights and the protection of minority groups. He noted that a specialised court would enhance accountability and help combat corruption at all levels of government.

Councillor Gofaone Kedise underscored the urgency of the ConCourt, saying it was  long-overdue  and was one of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) pledges in the manifesto. He recounted past instances where the High Court failed to address constitutional appeals, highlighting the necessity for its necessity to ensure justice for the populace.

Supporting the call, Tsopeng North Councillor Gobuamang Motlogelwa reiterated Lobatse’s historical significance in the drafting of the Constitution, insisting that the legacy must endure with the establishment of the Constitutional Court.

Minister Ramaotwana addressed councilors about the current limitations within the judicial system, noting that constitutional cases are presently handled by the High Court and the Court of Appeal, which lacked the specialised capacity needed. He reaffirmed the ruling party’s commitment to establishing a dedicated Constitutional Court to protect fundamental rights.

Kehumile Moekejo in Mabutsane captured the  district council  consultation meeting on Monday addressed by the Assistant Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Augustine Nyatanga. 

While councillors acknowledged the relevance and the value of a Constitutional Court to the country’s judicial system, some councillors questioned the urgency of the Bill, as compared to other challenges the nation was currently facing. They argued that the process should be deferred and priority be given to issues, particularly considering the current fiscal challenges.

“The Constitutional Court is not an urgent matter, the government should focus on improving the health sector and investing in infrastructure development because that is what people currently need. Youth unemployment is very high and young people are expecting the government to create job opportunities for them, not the Constitutional Court,” said councillor Keberekile Pule of Mabutsane/Kanaku ward.

Mr Pule further noted that establishing the Constitutional Court would come with cost implications which would dent the already ailing economy.

Councillor for Sekoma, Mr Kekaetswe Mosarwa underscored the need for the government to focus on issues that needed urgent attention, such as availing medicines at health facilities across the country. He said the Constitutional Court could be deferred to a later date when essential services such as the health sector had stabilised.

Mr Mosarwa also emphasised the importance of exercising transparency when appointing judicial officers for the proposed Constitutional Court.

Specially nominated councillor, Ms Gorata Phakedi said introducing the Constitutional Court would align with the government’s stance of being human rights based. She said in addition to speeding up the judicial process, the court would contribute towards enhancing democracy. 

“The Constitutional Court is very important because it will have independent judges as a way of enhancing democracy. The current judicial system is not sufficient to protect fundamental rights,” she said.

For his part, the deputy council chairperson, Mr Obakeng Melome said the time had come for people’s rights to be protected through the Constitutional Court. He said improving lives also meant reviewing laws and policies that created the red tape. 

“A lot of people have been wrongfully convicted because all cases are handled by general courts,” he noted.

The Assistant Minister assured the councillors that the government was committed to providing services through all the sectors, hence various programmes had to run concurrently. He noted that while he acknowledged that the health sector was facing challenges, plans were underway to address them.

From Gamalete District Baleseng Batlotleng  reports that councillors have called for a holistic and comprehensive constitutional review. In an meeting addressed by Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana as part of the nationwide consultative engagement on the establishment of the Constitutional Court.

Councillors expressed similar views on the proposed timing of the establishment of the ConCourt citing that more focus should be channeled to more pressing national issues like medicine shortages and dilapidated school infrastructure. 

Taung East Cllr Mr Vincent Nawa said the way the proposed establishment was presented was a piece meal approach which could not be entertained and that there was a strong suspicion that someone was pushing their political agenda. He categorically stated that there was a pressing need for a comprehensive review of the constitution and not the bit by bit approach proposed by government.

Cllr Nawa said the current judicial set up was sufficient to handle any legal matter and therefore there was no need for a specialised court to be established. Otse Cllr Mr Tom Isaacs cited wrong timing of the establishment of the ConCourt and said focus should be given to pressing matters like food security, animal health in the advent of FMD infections and the deteriorating health sector among others.

He urged government to restore trust in the current justice system and also equip it with human resource or make a complete overhaul for efficient service delivery by the judiciary.

Mogobane Cllr Mr Sisimogang Abram expressed confidence on the set up of the ConCourt saying it would develop the country’s constitutional democratic system and strengthen the judicial process. He said government was seeking input from the public as part of the many steps taken towards the review of the constitution.

Gamalete Deputy Paramount Chief Kgosi Tsimane Mokgosi said government was a powerful tool needed for checks and balances. Kgosi Tsimane said from what he observed Batswana needed broader national consultation and be educated on matters relating to the ConCourt on a more transparent approach.

For his part Malete Land Board Chairperson Mr Kgotso Mathe asked the minister on how the proposed institution would protect the customary land rights.

He also questioned whether an individual would directly approach the ConCourt if they were not satisfied with the decision of the Land Tribunal, High Court or the Court of Appeal. Mr Mr Mathe also wanted clarity on how the supreme body would deal with the existing backlog on land related legal matters. 

Minister Ramaotwana appreciated councillors’ contributions and said the purpose of their engagement was aimed at gathering views and inputs. He said part of the intention to set up the ConCourt was to expedite the backlog of constitutional matters before the existing courts. 

He said as a specialised court, the ConCourt had a specialised jurisdiction and that non constitutional matters would reach it only by way of appeal. He said the focus was also to engage experts in the field of constitutional matters

While some residents  of Mochudi agreed with its establishment, some were of the view that the Constitutional Court was being prioritised over the more urgent constitutional review process.

Others argued that it was an important step toward developing Botswana’s constitutional democratic system, where Batswana would have the opportunity to hold government accountable for safeguarding fundamental human rights.

During a packed kgotla meeting that was addressed by Minister of International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale in Mochudi, the debate centred on some key questions such as whether a Constitutional Court was necessary; the legal processes required to establish one; and its relationship with existing courts and whether it would replace the Constitution.

Residents submitted that there was no urgency in consulting about the establishment of the Constitutional Court when there were more pressing matters to deal with such as the health crisis and bad roads, to mention, but a few. Some viewed it as a court that would provide the leeway for murderers to do as they pleased, alleging that the court would provide room for them to escape death the penalty.

Most residents were of the idea that there was need for an immediate comprehensive review of the Constitution instead of channelling funds towards setting up a Constitutional Court. Others, on one hand, argued that there has not been sufficient consultation regarding the urgency of establishing the court.

First to take the podium was Bakgatla Deputy Chief, Kgosi Bana Sekai, who rallied behind the Constitutional Court’s establishment, reasoning that it was meant to provide an avenue for recourse. He alleged that there had been insinuations in the past that certain cases would have been resolved effectively had they been heard by a Constitutional Court. 

Mr Botlhe Kgetse questioned the rationale for the court’s establishment, and further insinuated that it was likely that it was going to serve some political interests. He argued that many issues had been resolved without a Constitutional Court in place hence it was unjustifiable to argue that not having it affected the dispensation of justice.

“The Unity Dow case law is the example in place that has showed that issues can be resolved without a Constitutional Court,” he opined.

Ms Kutlwano Odirile, a lawyer by profession, supported its establishment reasoning that it was an important step towards developing Botswana’s constitutional democratic system, where Batswana would have the opportunity to hold government accountable for safeguarding fundamental human rights.

For his part, Minister Butale explained that the Constitutional Court would not replace the Constitution.

“These are two different things; the Constitutional Court is meant to provide an avenue for fair arbitrary process,” he said.

In countering the argument that not sufficient consultation had been done with the public and other critical stakeholders, he said consultations were continuing countrywide and that there would be a referendum once the consultation process was completed.

Dr Butale acknowledged residents’ concerns about the health crisis and assured them that government was working hard to improve the public health system through among others things, providing sufficient medicines.

“I appreciate your reservations, but this is the state we find ourselves in as a government and we are working hard to bring about normalcy,” he said, adding that the State of Public Health Emergency that President Advocate Duma Boko had enforced was one of the ways of restoring the optimal functionality of the public health system.

Overall drug availability at Moshupa District Pharmacy Warehouse stands at 50 per cent.

This was revealed by Principal Pharmacist at Moshupa District Pharmacy Warehouse, Ms Thato Aliu during Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ignatius Moswaane tour of the facility and Moshupa Clinic Council on Tuesday.

Breaking down the availability by category, she noted that essential medications were accessible at 52 per cent, vital medications at 62 per cent, and non-essential medications at 36 per cent.

In his address, Assistant Minister Moswaane encouraged healthcare workers in Moshupa District to evaluate surplus stock at various facilities, so that if possible, any excess supplies could be redistributed to other areas facing drugs shortages.

He stressed efficient resource management as a practical step toward improving access. Mr Moswaane further assured staff and the community that government continued to prioritise the health sector. 

In addition, Mr Moswaane appealed to the public to avoid spreading negative or unverified information about drug shortages on social media platforms, noting that such reports could create unnecessary alarm and undermine confidence in the health sector. 

Moshupa District deputy Council Secretary for Primary Health Services, Mr Mphapi Mbulawa highlighted the critical need to equip nurses and doctors with accurate, real-time information of drug stock levels.

This transparency, he said was essential for effective patient care and timely decision-making at clinics and health posts

The tour and discussions come at a time when Botswana’s health system is addressing supply chain challenges, including efforts to implement digital tools for better tracking of medicines from central warehouses to remote areas.

Stakeholders continue to focus on collaboration, stock redistribution, and public communication to maintain service delivery in districts like Moshupa.