Parliament of Botswana 
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
There shall be a Standing Committee known as the Public Accounts Committee, consisting of 10 Private Members appointed for the Life of Parliament. One of such Members who shall be a Member of the Opposition shall be elected as Chairperson by the Committee of Selection.
It shall be the duty of the Public Accounts Committee:
a. to examine after the end of each financial year;
i. the accounts and statements prepared and signed by the Accountant General in accordance with the provisions of the Finance and Audit Act
b. to examine, such other accounts value for money and management performance reports laid before the Assembly as may be referred to it by the Assembly, and report the results of such examinations to the Assembly.
The 57th Public Accounts Committee chaired by Hon. Dithapelo Keorapetse and its Members - Hon. Wynter Mmolotsi, Hon. Mabuse Pule, Hon. Pono Moatlhodi, Hon. Leepetswe Lesedi, Hon. Mokwaledi Moswaane, Hon. Polson Majaga, Hon. Taolo Lucas, Hon. Simon Moabi & Hon. Johane Thiite, shall commence its examinations from the 07th July 2020 until the 04th August 2020 at Parliament Main Committee Room.
LEADER OF THE HOUSE OPENS THE 3rd MEETING OF THE 4th NYD
The Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane, who is also the Leader of the House (NYD), officially opened the 3rd Meeting of the 4th Ntlo Ya Dikgosi. The house will seat for two weeks, starting with briefings from different ministries, departments and NGOs, and lastly the house business.
THE SAHARAWI ARAB DEMOCRATIC AMBASSADOR TO BOTSWANA PAID COURTESY CALL ON THE SPEAKER
His Excellency Mr. Malainin Mohamed, Ambassador of Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic to Botswana today paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Phandu T. C. Skelemani.
Among the issues discussed, was the decision to build a bilateral relations between the two parliaments of which must be based on quality cooperation, and respect for international law. The Ambassador further pointed that the two countries are united by principles of democracy and the commitment to the African Union (AU) on respect for colonial boundaries and self-determination.
The Speaker and the Ambassador suggested on exchange programmes for Members of Parliament to visit and learn from each other. The Ambassador believes it will be a good idea for members from both government and opposition parties to visit the Saharawi refugee camps and other authorities to deepen the knowledge about the situation there and have a firsthand idea about the realities in Saharawi.
Mr. Mohamed also mentioned that Saharawi Republic strongly recommends that Botswana should propose a candidate for the Presidency of the Pan African Parliament and they will support Botswana. This will give Botswana more visibility and allows leadership to contribute to the building of a Pan African Parliament free of corruption and useful to other African nations and institutions. “The proposition of an able, experienced and genuine candidate will certainly help to easily win the elections” said the ambassador .He further stated that they are happy that Botswana is standing with their country and its people in their search for independence.
Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic is a former Spanish Colony which has been involved in territorial dispute with Morocco since annexed the territory in 1975.
PARLIAMENT COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Members of Parliament, led by the *Portfolio Committee members of Women's Caucus,* commemorated International Women's day under the theme "I am Generation Equality:Realizing Women's Rights" at Parliament Grounds.
When giving the keynote address, the Chairperson of Women's Caucus, Hon. Unity Dow, urged Batswana to celebrate the remarkable strides made by incredible women and reiterated on how males should have a role to play in advancing gender equality and empower women and girls.
Amongst the Guest Speakers, Leader of Opposition, Hon. Dumelang Saleshando,encouraged young girls to be strong to face all the challenges they face. In addition, he spoke about a young girl named Malala who won a noble price for her good contributions as an activist at a tender age,this should inspire girls.
Speakers at the event encouraged men and women to stand and fight gender based violence as a nation and empower the boy child to become a good citizen of this beloved country.
CHINESE AMBASSADOR PAID COURTESY CALL TO THE SPEAKER
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Botswana who is also the Representative of China to SADC His Excellency Mr. Zhao Yanbo paid a courtesy call to the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon Phandu T. C. Skelemani at the Parliament Buildings.
The Ambassador emphasized China’s desire to continue the strong relationship that they have with Botswana. They both agreed that Botswana and China enjoy a cordial relationship citing the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Hon. Speaker was delighted on the role played by Chinese in Botswana. China has contributed to development of infrastructure in Botswana like building of schools, roads, hospitals, providing scholarships and even producing human capital like the Chinese doctors in hospitals.
He also noted that through infrastructure, China has allowed easy movement across African countries, citing a good example of the ongoing Kazungula bridge project.
His Excellency Mr. Yanbo also assured the Speaker Hon, Skelemani that his country China, has currently restricted movement out of the city where the Corona virus had its first outbreak. This is mainly to stop the spread of the virus whilst the medical teams are working around the clock to develop a cure.
The Ambassador noted that they are also closely monitoring those that enter Botswana from China and provide medical support to check all signs and symptoms of the virus.
