The Speaker of the National Assembly, Tlohang Sekhamane, has highlighted key milestones achieved by Parliament as he officially opened the Eighth Meeting of the First Session of the Eleventh Parliament.

Addressing Members of Parliament (MPs), Mr. Sekhamane commended the House for passing five Bills during the previous sitting.

These include the 10th Amendment to the Constitution Bill, the Children's Protection and Welfare Amendment Bill, the Law Society Amendment Bill, 2024, the Public Holidays Bill, 2025, as well as the Internal Security Arms and Ammunition Amendment Bill, 2024. He further noted that Parliament passed 21 subordinate laws and adopted 11 substantive motions, describing the progress as a reflection of the House’s commitment to strengthening the legislative framework of the country.

The Speaker also applauded the National Assembly for successfully hosting the Southern African Development Community Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) and the Children’s Parliament.

He said several capacity-building trainings were conducted, adding that Parliament strengthened bilateral relations with the Parliament of the People’s Republic of China following a courtesy visit by one of its veteran members. Among other milestones, Mr. Sekhamane indicated that the Budget Office was launched, sign language services were introduced, and Parliament Day was commemorated, all aimed at enhancing inclusivity and public participation.

Despite the achievements, the Speaker raised concern over the low attendance of MPs during House sittings and incidents of inappropriate dress, urging Members to uphold discipline and decorum. Looking ahead, he said the National Assembly intends to improve service delivery through the finalisation of outstanding parliamentary policies, taking Parliament closer to the people, installing an e-Parliament system and Wi-Fi, as well as renovating the Parliament building.

He expressed gratitude to development partners for their continued support, voicing optimism that Members have returned re-energised and ready to serve the nation diligently. Meanwhile, Mr. Sekhamane called on the House to observe a moment of silence in honour of the late former MPs, Adv. Haaee Phoofolo and Mr. Lepota Sekola.

In addition, the 2024/2025 supplementary budget estimates, also referred to as the statement of excess, were presented as part of the day’s business.