AFMBP - Association of Former Members of Botswana Parliament

14/07/2026

Official Opening of Parliament. Former MPs witnessed the inaugural Legislative Meeting.

Hon Sheila Tlou
Hon Leach Tlhomelang
Hon Thulagano Segokgo

09/06/2026

09/04/2026

I DO NOT GIVE FACEBOOK OR META PERMISSION TO USE ANY OF MY DATA

08/04/2026

Just in case…Everyone, stay safe. Big day tomorrow. It’s official. Signed at 6:00am. It was even on TV. Don't forget that tomorrow marks the start of the new Facebook rule (also known as Meta), which allows them to use your photos. Don't forget the deadline is today!!!

According to the show 60 Minutes:
Just in case you missed it: a lawyer advised us to post this. The violation of privacy can be punished by law. NOTE: Facebook Meta is now a public entity. Every member must post a note like this. If you do not publish a statement at least once, it will be technically understood that you are allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile status updates.

I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I DO NOT GIVE MY PERMISSION FOR FACEBOOK OR META TO USE ANY OF MY PERSONAL DATA.

Hold your finger anywhere in this message and “copy” will appear. Click “copy. Then go to your page, create a new post, and place your finger anywhere in the empty field. “Paste” will appear, and click paste

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/14WnxmdSsvN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

16/01/2026

PART 1: UNDERSTANDING THE CONSTITUTION OF BOTSWANA

WEEK 2: HISTORY AND ADOPTION
DAY 9/68

HOW BOTSWANA’S CONSTITUTION CAME INTO FORCE

1. INTRODUCTION
Botswana’s Constitution:

1.1 Was drafted before independence;
1.2 Was approved by the British Parliament;
1.3 Came into force at independence;
1.4 Became law immediately on 30 September 1966.

📌 This careful historical process still shapes constitutional debates today.

2. KEY EVENTS LEADING TO THE CONSTITUTION
2.1 The Botswana (Bechuanaland) Constitutional Conference, 1965

a. Held in London with representatives from Bechuanaland and the British Government;
b. Reviewed the draft Constitution for acceptability to both Botswana leaders and Britain;
c. Final structure of government, powers, and rights protections were agreed upon.

2.2 Drafting the Constitution
a. Small team of local leaders and British legal advisors prepared the draft
b. Goal: Balance modern democratic principles with Botswana’s customary governance structures.

2.3 Consultation with Magosi and Key Stakeholders
a. Magosi and prominent political leaders reviewed the draft;
b. Helped secure legitimacy and cultural acceptance;

📌 Ordinary citizens had limited direct input, but involvement of Magosi ensured broader acceptance.

3. LEGAL INSTRUMENTS ESTABLISHING INDEPENDENCE
3.1 Botswana Independence Order 1966 (UK Statutory Instrument 1966 No. 1425)

a. Formally granted Botswana full sovereignty;
b. Brought the Constitution into force as the supreme law;
c. Established the legal framework for governance from 30 September 1966.

4. IMPLEMENTATION AND ENTRENCHMENT
4.1 Key Institutions Established
a. Parliament – legislative authority
b. The Presidency – executive authority
c. Judiciary – interprets law and protects rights

4.2 Fundamental Rights
a. Entrenched in the Constitution ;
b. Cannot be easily amended without following constitutional procedures.

5. WHY THESE STEPS WERE IMPORTANT
5.1 Ensured Botswana’s independence was legally sound and internationally recognized;
5.2 Protected citizens’ rights and freedoms from the outset;
5.3 Created a stable, culturally appropriate governance framework, blending democracy with traditional leadership structures.

6. CONCLUSION
Through the Constitutional Conference, drafting process, stakeholder consultation, and the Independence Order 1966, Botswana’s Constitution came into force as a durable, legitimate, and culturally grounded foundation for governance in the new Republic.

I will NOT rest.

09/01/2026