Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dithapelo Keorapetse, has called on the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances to fully embrace its oversight mandate and play a more proactive role in holding government accountable for commitments made to the nation.
Addressing members of the committee on Monday, Keorapetse stressed the importance of strengthening parliamentary oversight and ensuring that promises made by government are translated into tangible outcomes for citizens.
The Committee on Government Assurances, chaired by Dr. Kesitegile Gobotswang, is currently faced with a substantial backlog of outstanding matters dating back to 2019 through to November 2024. The committee is tasked with tracking and verifying the implementation of assurances, undertakings and promises made by ministers and government officials on the floor of Parliament.
Keorapetse said the committee possesses significant authority to summon ministers, senior government officials and other relevant stakeholders to account for delays, non-performance or failure to fulfil commitments previously made before Parliament.
“The committee has a critical responsibility to ensure that government assurances do not remain mere statements but are translated into action,” he said. “It must consistently monitor implementation and seek explanations where commitments remain outstanding.”
He noted that the effectiveness of Parliament as an institution depends largely on its ability to ensure that government departments and agencies honour undertakings made before elected representatives. According to the Speaker, accountability mechanisms such as the Government Assurances Committee are essential in maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.
Keorapetse further stated that the committee’s responsibilities extend beyond simply tracking promises. It must also ensure that government ministries and departments execute their obligations efficiently and that those entrusted with public responsibilities are held accountable where shortcomings are identified.
“The ultimate objective is to ensure that government commitments are fulfilled and that citizens receive the services and development outcomes that have been promised,” he said.
While encouraging robust oversight, the Speaker cautioned committee members against adopting an adversarial approach. He emphasised the need for constructive scrutiny that focuses on improving governance and service delivery rather than assigning blame.
“Our oversight must be rigorous, but it must also be constructive. The purpose is to benefit the people of Botswana by ensuring that government functions effectively and efficiently,” he said.
Keorapetse also reminded committee members of their obligation to uphold parliamentary procedures and principles of natural justice throughout their work. He encouraged members to remain consistent in respecting due process and to conduct investigations in a manner that reflects impartiality, fairness and independence.
According to Keorapetse, effective oversight requires thorough examination of evidence and objective assessment of facts without political bias.
He further urged the committee to consider greater public engagement in its work, particularly in cases where members of the public may possess information that could assist investigations or verification processes.
“The committee should remain open to receiving information from citizens where such evidence can help establish facts and support accountability efforts,” he said.
Greater public participation, he noted, could strengthen transparency and enhance the committee’s ability to assess the status of government commitments across various sectors.
The Committee on Government Assurances is one of Parliament’s portfolio committees and operates under the broader Foreign Affairs, Defence, Justice and Security Committee structure. Its primary role is to follow up on assurances made by government and report to Parliament on the extent to which those commitments have been fulfilled.
Keorapetse’s call comes as Parliament seeks to strengthen its oversight function and improve accountability mechanisms within government. With a backlog spanning more than five years, the committee now faces the significant task of reviewing outstanding assurances and ensuring that government institutions account for commitments made to the people of Botswana.
Observers say the committee’s effectiveness in addressing the backlog could serve as an important test of Parliament’s commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability and responsive governance.
