The President's Promises On Mpa, FIA Dead In The Water
Monday, August 19, 2019
President Mokgweetsi Masisi, had on many times assured the media and the nation of Botswana that he would personally ensure that the MPA is history and in place would be the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act (FIA). Just a few weeks back, on return from an overseas trip, the President assured the media that the 11th Parliament would not come to end before the MPA is addressed.
Lo and behold! AIA is still just a dream, while the MPA remains on the shelves at the Attorney General Chambers. Even more significantly, the person who burdened us with the MPA, Pelonomi Venson-Motoi may never get a chance to speak to it as on August 2, 2019, she and few others left the august House for the very last time.
While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...