Mohwasa promises reforms at IEC, DCEC, DIS

Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday November 26, 2024 13:51

Mohwasa addressed the media yesterday (Monday) to clarify the ministry's mandate following the rationalisation of government-aligned ministries and the responsibilities of their portfolios. The briefing also aimed to explain the relevance of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by Boko to the ministry. On the IEC, Mohwasa said as per their manifesto, they had stated they would make reforms at the IEC amongst others including counting of ballots at the polling stations. “We will meet with other parties in December to discuss electoral reforms. We will also look at the IEC mandate and make sure it is independent as we believe it is currently not. There are a few things we will look at,” he said.

On the DCEC, Mohwasa said they believe that the crime busting body shouldn't report to the President, but rather to Parliament. He said they want the DCEC Act to be interrogated. Just like with the IEC, he said there should be a parliamentary committee that would interview them publicly and recommend them to the President. On the DIS, Mohwasa said they will look into the DIS Act to ensure it aligns with the objectives of the day’s government. He said they, like other Batswana, have complained of intercepted calls and that it would be a thing of the past. Concerning the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM), Mohwasa said they had an opportunity to interact with the DPSM Board and agreed that by February end, the Bargaining Council shall be back in place. He further said they would review to amend the Public Service Act in consultation with the unions. He also said they would develop a national value system and code of conduct for public servants and also develop and launch digital citizen feedback platforms. Mohwasa further said they would reduce red tape when dealing with government. “We discussed with the DPSM that there are standards which are now just like decorating notice boards because they aren't followed. We need to fix those and those who head departments and don't follow standards will be punished. We should get back to people within a reasonable time,” he said.

On government communication, Mohwasa said they have always said Mass Media has been used as a propaganda machine of the then ruling party. He said they have always wanted a board for Mass Media independent from political interference. “That is still our position, the government should compete for space in the media space. It is wrong to believe it is only news when it comes from government. “News is news and if we need to be covered as government, we should use the BGCIS (Botswana Government Communication and Information System),” he said. He further said they would look into other pieces of legislation that deter the media from doing their job freely. He said invitations have already been sent out to MISA-Botswana and Botswana Editors Forum to begin engagements.