24 Dec 2024

 The First Meeting of the First Session of the 13th Parliament concluded business on December 20.

During its six weeks of business, Parliament debated three motions, adopting two and rejecting one.

One of the debated motions was tabled by Tswapong South legislator, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang requesting government to consider introducing universal health checks every two years, to diagnose and treat illnesses before they could progress to advanced stages.

In his presentation, Dr Gobotswang argued that late detection of illnesses could result in prolonged hospitalisation, which translated to high medical costs.

Parliament also passed a motion calling on government to gradually ban the use of all non-essential plastics, to safeguard the environment.

Members of Parliament accepted the motion by Selebi Phikwe East MP, Mr Kgoberego Nkawana after an amendment from Mahalapye East MP, Mr Augustine Nyatanga to include the word gradual.

The initial motion, by Mr Nkawana requested the government to consider banning the importation and use of all non-essential plastic in view of environmental contamination caused by unsafe disposal of plastic material.

Parliament however, shot down a motion brought by Kgatleng West legislator, Dr Unity Dow.

The motion requested government to establish peace desks at magistrates’ courts and police stations, an arrangement that she reasoned would be a shortcut to justice on gender based violence matters.

Dr Dow reasoned that such an arrangement would avail expedited assistance.

Most legislators, who contributed however, indicated that although noble, the motion did not bring much to the already existing laws.

Parliament also passed six Bills, with two of them brought by the Minister of Finance, who is also the Vice President, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe.

Mr Gaolathe brought the Virtual Assets amendment Bill, which sought to enhance the regulation of sale and trade of virtual assets, licensing of virtual assets service providers and issuers of initial token offerings and other related matters.

Mr Gaolathe also brought the Financial Intelligence Act amendment Bill. Other Bills passed were the Societies Act amendment Bill brought by the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Brig. Pius Mokgware, the Companies Act amendment Bill brought by the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima.

Other passed Bills were the Trust Property Control Act amendment Bill brought by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana and the Public Service Act amendment Bill brought by the Minister for State President Mr Moeti Mohwasa. Ends