The Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile F.C. Motshegwa, engaged with the Tutume District Council and district leadership as part of the nationwide consultations on the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025.
The consultations follow the proposed introduction of the Constitutional Court, a specialised court within Botswana’s judicial system with the authority to adjudicate constitutional matters. Mr Motshegwa explained that the Constitutional Court will be the highest court on issues assigned to it by the Constitution or any other law and will make final determinations on constitutional questions.
The Minister stated that the establishment of the court seeks to address gaps in the current system, strengthen constitutional governance, and provide a neutral, transparent, and inclusive platform for constitutional interpretation, ahead of a comprehensive constitutional review.
Mr Motshegwa emphasised that the Constitutional Court will serve as the final authority on constitutional matters, improving efficiency and reducing case backlogs through a clearly defined jurisdiction.
He further noted that the forthcoming review will align the Constitution with contemporary developments, promote democracy and the rule of law, protect human rights, and strengthen frameworks relating to elections as well as parliamentary, judicial, and presidential powers.
While acknowledging the roles of the High Court and the Court of Appeal, Mr Motshegwa emphasised that the Constitutional Court will serve as the final authority on constitutional matters, improving efficiency and reducing case backlogs through a clearly defined jurisdiction.
He also underscored the importance of public participation in the process, noting that the Judicial Service Commission currently comprises a two-thirds majority of presidential appointees, and that the final outcome will require the will of the people.
The Minister thanked stakeholders for their contributions, reaffirming that the establishment of the Constitutional Court is key to ensuring accountability and safeguarding national progress as Botswana prepares for a constitutional review.
