04 Mar 2025

The National Assembly Committee of Supply yesterday approved a sum of approximately P214 million as budget proposal to be used by Parliament during the 2025/26 financial year.

Presenting the proposal, the Minister for State President Mr Moeti Mohwasa requested for authorisation of approximately P200 million for recurrent spending, and an additional P14 million for development expenditure.

The recurrent budget is 36.7 per cent reduction, about P126 million less than allocated in the previous financial year, Mr Mohwasa said, while the development budget represents P9 million more than the previous year’s budget.

Mr Mohwasa said personal emoluments at roughly P142 million would take the largest share of the recurrent budget, at 71 per cent, with the remaining 29 per cent about P58.5 million going towards operating costs.

Approximately P187 million or 93 per cent of the Parliament recurrent budget would be allocated to the National Assembly while P14 million or 7 per cent would be reserved for Ntlo ya Dikgosi.

A computerisation project, refurbishment and restoration of Parliament buildings, design works for Ntlo ya Dikgosi as well as security and an organisational structure project would account for the development expenditure.

Mr Mohwasa said several refurbishment projects including the Speakers’ boardroom, executive offices, elevator and offices had been completed.

The refurbishment of parliamentary flats and annexe buildings as well as the installation of an access control system to enhance security are all at 95 per cent completion stage, Mr Mohwasa said.

 He added that there was a need to improve information and Communication Technology (ICT) at headquarters and in the constituency offices.

The minister further said in light of constituency delimitation processes that increased the number of Members of Parliament (MPs), as well as increased public interest in parliamentary procedures, there would be a need to expand the Parliament chamber in the near future.

Additionally, Mr Mohwasa communicated that there was need for the establishment of a Parliamentary Services Commission, the establishment of a Budget Office to enhance Parliament’s role in the national budgeting process.

In the committee debate, Mr Mabuse Pule of Kgatleng East said it was important for Parliament to work as an independent entity.

He said this would enable it to have access to resources noting that currently there were delays in operationalising constituency offices pending employment of officers and securing office space.

Mr Pule also wanted the minister to give clarity on the Constitutional review saying there was need for all to know whether the new government would start the process afresh or proceed with what was already on the table.

Tlokweng legislator, Mr Phenyo Segokgo said Parliament should be well equipped to play its oversight role. He also suggested that constituency offices should have research assistants to support the MPs in their work toward improving the lives of the constituents.

Mr Segokgo also added that Parliament should preserve its history by establishing a museum.

MP Letlhogonolo Barongwang of Mogoditshane East said Parliament must be inclusive and recognise Ntlo ya Dikgosi as the members were playing an important role in building the society.

Mr Caterpillar Hikuama of Maun West requested for vehicles in the constituency offices to enable them undertake their duties. However, Mr Mohwasa indicated that the proposal to buy constituency office vehicles was raised in the past but rejected.

Mr Hikuama said Ntlo ya Dikgosi had played its role, therefore must be elevated to deal with legislation relating to culture and heritage. He said dikgosi currently do not have a formal role in the legislative process to safeguard traditional values and customs.

Ms Helen Manyeneng of Mmopane/Metsimotlhabe said even though the requested funds were not sufficient for Parliament to fully execute its mandate, the little received must be appreciated.

Ms Manyeneng said provision should be made to extend Parliament grounds such that it could accommodate magnitudes often interested in attending ceremonies.

Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa of Mmadinare said Parliament was the powerhouse of democracy, therefore it was important to primarily focus on its independence. ENDS