Kgotla system impresses Namibian visitors

10 June, 2007 in Botswana

source: Daily News
08.06.2007

By Mooketsi Majalemotho

GHANZI -  A 14- member delegation from the Omaheke region in Namibia , has been impressed by the traditional way of settling disputes through the kgotla system
The delegation, on a benchmarking exercise on local governance, included governors, chiefs, councillors and government officials.
Delegation leader and regional governor, Ms Laura McLeod said in an interview during their visit to New Xade that the kgotla system helps to reduce congestion at the courts.
The system fits really well with the justice system and helps eradicate backlog of cases,” McLeod said.
She said her region would look into adopting a similar system to hasten delivery of justice.
The governor was also impressed by the service delivery to far flung areas particularly settlements.
She said decentralisation has enabled councils to bring amenities such as water, schools and clinics to settlement dwellers.
While in Ghanzi, the delegation was briefed by district leaders on service delivery as well as district development. The delegation also visited D’kar. BOPA

Youth participation in elections low, says Morima

10 June, 2007 in Botswana, Education

source: Daily News
08.06.2007

By Leungo Rakgati

KANYE – Political apathy among youth has the potential to weaken democracy and threaten the stability of the country.
National Coordinator of Botswana National Youth Council(BNYC), Mr Ndulamo Morima, urged the youth at a two-day Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) workshop to exercise their right to vote.
Mr Morima said their role as young people is critical in promoting democracy and elections.
He encouraged them to look for and acquire political education if they are to participate meaningfully in decision making.
Participation in the electoral process, he said, is vital in a democratic country as it gives people the platform to express their views and involvement in making decisions on issues that affect them.
Mr Morima was concerned that despite several efforts, interest among the youth remained low.
He said the IEC introduced various awareness programmes and [continue reading]

SA: New R150m SA passport system soon

10 June, 2007 in South Africa

source: IOL
June 09 2007 at 10:27AM

By Chiara Carter

The government is doing away with temporary passports and introducing a new passport production system that it hopes will be safer and quicker – part of an action plan to address the myriad problems that beset what is arguably the country’s most dire department, Home Affairs.

Speaking during the Home Affairs budget debate in the National Assembly this week, deputy minister Malusi Gigaba said the government was moving ahead with a new passport regime.

He announced that by year-end, government would discontinue temporary passports.

These are often issued to people who need to travel at short notice and can’t get their passports in time.

The new South African passports are to be made from the government’s own high security paper and, as of September, will sport the country’s new coat of arms.

Home Affairs minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the new passport system would  [continue reading]