President Mokgweetsi Masisi has appointed a 19-member commission to review Botswana’s constitution and come up with recommendations over the next nine months.
In a notice published on Friday night, Permanent Secretary to the President, Emmah Peloetletse said the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Review of the Constitution of Botswana would be chaired by former Chief Justice Maruping Dibotelo whose deputy would be trade unionist Johnson Motshwarakgole.
Other members, who include traditional chiefs, academics, lawyers, gender experts, security experts and business people, are Puso Gaborone, Divere Ndando, Gobopamang Letamo, Bontle Mbongwe; Bonolo Mmereki-Burns, Charles Mokobi, Stella Moroka, Matthews Letsholo, Moanakwena Keloneilwe, Goemeone Mogomotsi, Dikarabo Ramadubu, Kukame Ngwamotsoko, Shirley Keoagile, Roselyn Serumola, Game Dibeela, Chedza Ntobedzi, and Siphatisiwe Daniel.
Peloetletse said the terms of reference of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry require the team to, among others, “ascertain from the people of Botswana, their views on the operation of the Constitution and, in particular, the strengths and weaknesses of the Constitution.”
It is expected to “submit a report with recommendations to His Excellency the President not later than the end of September 2022,” the official said.
Botswana’s constitution was first promulgated in 1966 but has been amended a number of times over the years.
JN/APA