2007 by any account was a hectic year with many unexpected developments!
There was a lot of activity on the social, political and economic fronts that had and will continue to have an enormous impact on the lives of all of us in Botswana.
Members of the public voiced their views on such controversial issues as the Security Intelligence Bill. We saw Dikgosi also showing increasing resistance towards the proposed Bogosi Bill. These two Bills revealed that consultation, a principle that Batswana cherish, could no longer be taken for granted. Many people acknowledged that there was need for comprehensive security legislation but were concerned that the Bill had been rushed into law without proper public consultation. There were fears that loopholes in the law might lead to abuse and erosion of civil liberties. Time will tell though as 2008 is just around the corner.
The Bogosi Bill is still being debated and some Dikgosi are demanding comprehensive public consultation. Will they get their way? Some MPs have asked Dikgosi why they think they need permission to brief their subjects on the proposed law.
Along also came AFRICOM. The American government wants to establish or have already established an Africa Command in Africa that will give them a firmer footing in Africa. The idea was not welcomed by many Batswana; some felt that AFRICOM’s presence here would attract America’s enemies to this country, while other’s believed that Botswana would be used by the Americans as a launching pad to attack African states that are hostile to it, which would compromise our cordial relations with our neighbours. There is uncertainty on the position of the government regarding the American institution, but there is little doubt that AFRICOM is in Africa to stay.
The ruling Botswana Democratic Party backbenchers tried to exercise their independence of thought in the last session of parliament by collaborating with the Opposition to stall privatisation of Air Botswana, among other things. Their debate influenced the Cabinet’s decision to ditch negotiations with SA’s Airlink, and that deal fell through.
Citizen empowerment was the buzzword in 2007 and it appears it will continue into the next year. However actions speak louder than words and we look forward to seeing what this debate will generate – hopefully a programme that will be more comprehensive, tighter, less wasteful and fairer than past schemes such as FAP and CEDA.
We hope that 2008 will be a good year for all. Lets continue to work for good health for every person living in Botswana; our challenges remain being unemployment, poverty and the spread of the HIV. We hope that the new Head of State, who takes over the reins as President Festus Mogae steps down, will lead this country to greater prosperity.
We wish our valued readers and clients a joyful and memorable festive season and a prosperous 2008. For those who will be travelling to visit their families and friends, we wish you a safe journey - and return home.
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