Hon. Dithapelo L. Keorapetse. MP.
The Speaker of the National Assembly
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to account for its financial performance for the 2022/2023 financial year.
During the examination, the Committee sought progress updates on the implementation of the city tourism initiative, the review of the human-wildlife conflict policy, improvements to employees' conditions of service and efforts to address the continued under-resourcing of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
Briefing the Committee, Permanent Secretary Ms. Abigail Khumoyame reported that the review of the human-wildlife conflict policy, together with the compensation rates, has been completed following extensive stakeholder consultations. She noted that owing to financial and resource constraints, the Ministry is exploring the establishment of an independent fund, supported by development partners, to sustain the newly enhanced compensation rates.
Ms. Khumoyame further informed the Committee that the Ministry is developing a Wildlife Service Act aimed at addressing the unique operational requirements of the Wildlife Service, improving conditions of service and strengthening the capacity of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
In its resolutions, the Committee directed the Ministry and Auditor General that a comprehensive investigation be conducted into the Ministry's aircraft fleet, focusing on procurement processes, maintenance and servicing, as well as aircraft storage costs to ensure value for money and accountability.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has resumed its 62nd Examinations of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), which commenced on 14 July 2026 and will continue until 6 August 2026.
The examinations are conducted daily from 0830 hours to 1300 hours and form part of Parliament's oversight responsibility to examine the use of public funds and promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the management of public resources.
Members of the public are encouraged to follow the proceedings through Parliament's official communication platforms for updates on the Committee's work.
PARLIAMENT INAUGURATED HISTORIC OPENING OF THE LEGISLATIVE MEETING
The Parliament of Botswana officially inaugurated the Opening of the Legislative Meeting during the commencement of the Third Meeting of the Third Session of the 13th Parliament on 13 July 2026, establishing a historic parliamentary tradition that formally marked the beginning of Parliament's legislative business.
The ceremony, the first of its kind in Botswana's history, affirmed Parliament's central role in the country's constitutional democracy following the nation's first peaceful transfer of political power. It featured addresses by the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening democratic governance despite political differences.
A key highlight was the Legislative Presentation, during which the Government's Legislative Priority List was formally presented to the Speaker, followed by the ceremonial introduction of Bills for First Reading. The occasion reinforced Parliament's commitment to transparency, accountability and public participation, while signifying its readiness to undertake its constitutional mandate of legislating on behalf of the people of Botswana.
Yesterday (22 July 2026), the Ministry of Health appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to account for its 2022/2023 financial performance and provide an update on the state of the health sector.
The Committee raised concerns over the persistent shortage of essential medicines and delays in their distribution. Members also questioned the high value of expired and counterfeit medicines, as well as the continued shortage of healthcare workers and medical specialists. The Committee urged the Ministry to outline measures in place to address these challenges.
The Committee also examined the Ministry's financial management, highlighting salary overpayments and budget over expenditure outlined in the Auditor General's report.
Responding to the concerns, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Tshepo Machacha explained that delays in the distribution of some medicines were largely attributable to registration and regulatory processes administered by the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA). The Ministry assured the Committee that supplies of critical medicines including those used to treat diabetes and high blood pressure, would be available nationwide within the next two weeks.
Page 1 of 2