MPs were on Thursday afternoon scoffed at for taking too much fancy on television and radio instead of practically delivering to their respective constituencies.
Responding to the debate on her ministry?s budget proposals for the financial year 2007/2008, the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, said MPs were fascinated to hear their voices on radio and to see their images on television so much that they forgot ordinary constituents believe in practical action.
?You must go to your respective ?dikgaolo? and deliver?, Venson-Moitoi advised.
She dismissed the re-introduction of ?Dikgang tsa palamente? on radio as suggested by most MPs during the debate, adding that action speaks louder than words.
The minister further dismissed the complaint that suggested the government owned media was discriminatory towards the opposition, saying the said media, was not influenced by government.
On privatization, the minister said the process would not entrench foreign domination at the expense of the citizens. The policy, she said, would revolve on a regulated environment.
She, however, embraced the debate that called for a freedom of information Act saying that ?would be democracy at its best?.
Venson also told the House that her ministry was working closely with the Attorney General?s Chambers to complete the drafting of the Mass Media Bill.
She lamented that her ministry?s progressive strides were thwarted by unscrupulous persons who steal the copper wires across the country to make earrings and other embellishments.
Earlier debating the ministry?s budget proposals, MPs were much uncomfortable with the government owned radio, print and television with Gaborone South MP, Akanyang Magama, saying the concerned media was for government propaganda.
Magama also called for the reinstatement of ?dikgang tsa palamente? on radio so that MPs could be heard.
Kweneng East MP, Moeng Pheto, lamented both poor Radio/TV coverage signals in some areas like Lophephe whilst faraway places like, Gantsi and Maun, enjoy the coverage.
MP for Palapye, Boyce Sebetela, pleaded with the ministry to extend its communications via mobile phone companies to cover the cattle-posts and ?masimo?.
He complained of the indiscriminate disposal of used prepaid vouchers adding ?appropriate action must be taken to arrest the situation?.
Specially elected MP, Margaret Nasha, called for a conditional re-introduction of ?dikgang tsa palamente?.
