PROMISE FULFILLED Masisi finally appoints Constitutional Review Commission
Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday appointed the long awaited Constitutional Review Commission whose purpose will be to source the input of the country’s citizens towards the review of the national constitution.
Last month in his State of The Nation Address, the president promised that the commision would be appointed before the end of the year. The constitutional review was one of the president’s key promises as he campaigned to be elected in the 2019 elections, along with his party the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
During the heated campaign rallies and at the televised debate by presidential candidates of the competing political parties, the president noted that the BDP manifesto was hinged on executing a comprehensive constitutional review which would largely be influenced by all Batswana.
This Friday thus marks the first step towards that promise with the release of the statement below:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with section 2, as read with section 16, of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, His Excellency the President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has issued a Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the review of the Constitution of Botswana.
2. His Excellency the President has appointed to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry the following –
Name Designation
a) Former Chief Justice Maruping Dibotelo Chairperson
b) Mr. Johnson Motshwarakgole Vice-Chairperson
c) Kgosi Puso Gaborone Member
d) Kgosi Divere Ndando Member
e) Professor Gobopamang Letamo Member
f) Professor Bontle Mbongwe Member
g) Reverend Bonolo Mmereki-Burns Member
h) Mr. Charles Mokobi Member
i) Ms. Stella Naledi Moroka Member
j) Mr. Matthews Letsholo Member
k) Mr. Moanakwena Keloneilwe Member
l) Dr. Goemeone Mogomotsi Member
m) Mr. Dikarabo Ramadubu Member
n) Mr. Kukame Ngwamotsoko Member
o) Ms. Shirley Kefilwe Keoagile Member
p) Ms. Roselyn Serumola Member
q) Ms. Game Dibeela Member
r) Ms. Chedza Ntobedzi Member
s) Ms. Siphatisiwe Daniel Member
3. The Secretariat of the Commission of Inquiry shall consist of the
following –
Name Designation
a) Ms. Pearl N. Ramokoka Head of Secretariat
b) Dr. Kaelo Molefe Secretariat
c) Ms. Berenice Mosime Secretariat
d) Ms. Idah Lorato Motsamai Secretariat
e) Ms. Ntesang Molemele Secretariat
4. The terms of reference of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry shall be as follows –
(a) ascertain from the people of Botswana, their views on the operation of the Constitution and, in particular, the strengths and weaknesses of the Constitution;
(b) assess the adequacy of the Constitution, in particular by –
i. asserting Botswana’s identity, principles, aspirations and values;
ii. promoting and protecting people’s rights;
iii. promoting equality; and
iv. promoting national unity and democracy;
(c) articulate the concerns of the people of Botswana as regards the amendments that may be required for a review of the Constitution;
(d) to conduct inquiries and obtain information from sources that the Commission considers relevant in the execution of its mandate;
(e) to make any recommendations on the review or amendment of the Constitution, on the basis of paragraphs (a) to (d) above and any other material considerations; and
(f) upon completion of its inquiry, the Commission shall submit a report with recommendations to His Excellency the President not later than the end of September 2022.
