The Parrot News Online

20/12/2024

CITY LIGHTS MUSIC FESTIVAL POSTPONED

19/12/2024

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS (SONA) PUBLIC BUSINESS
*QUESTIONS

19/12/2024

𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 2024 𝗣𝗦𝗟𝗘 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀!

Join us in celebrating these GIS top achievers for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional achievements! We also extend our gratitude to the incredible teachers, supportive parents, and the GIS community for rallying behind these young stars.

19/12/2024

Swearing in and official opening

19/12/2024

"State media in Botswana must be free from political influence and manipulation. We need it to be run by an independent board." – Minister of State Presidency, Moeti Mohwasa

19/12/2024

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS (SONA) PUBLIC BUSINESS
*MOTIONS
*COMMITTEE STAGE

18/12/2024

President Advocate Duma Boko kick-starts the 2024 festive season operations.

18/12/2024

PUBLIC BUSINESS
*Questions
*Motions
*Second Reading
*Committee Stage

18/12/2024

PUBLIC BUSINESS
*Motions
*Second Reading
*Committee Stage
*Questions

17/12/2024

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS (SONA)

PUBLIC BUSINESS
*Questions
*Leader of the House SONA Response
*Government Bills

17/12/2024

President Advocate Duma Bokos' opening statement during a courtesy call on him by the UNDP Regional Director, Ms
Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie.

17/12/2024

17/12/2024

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS (SONA)

PUBLIC BUSINESS
(Morning Session)
*Presentation of Government Bills

17/12/2024

𝗕𝗼𝗸𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗨𝗗𝗖 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲

For years, Botswana Television (BTV) has faced criticism for its perceived bias in favour of the then-ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Its programming has been widely accused of prioritising coverage of government activities, particularly those involving the President, over balanced reporting that serves the public interest. Critics, including Members of Parliament, have often derided BTV for acting as the government’s public relations arm rather than a public broadcaster. Even the current Speaker of Parliament, Dithapelo Keorapetse, once labelled BTV "boring" and called for a revamp during his time as a legislator.

President Duma Boko, who has previously criticised BTV for its reporting standards, made his position clear during a live broadcast yesterday. Boko’s remarks came after an incident during his address to Botswana Police officers. Following his speech, it was time for the officers to voice their grievances through questions and comments. However, BTV abruptly cut the live stream during this critical segment a practice that was prevalent under the BDP government.

When it was time to address the questions, Boko swiftly tackled the issue, making it clear that under his administration, censorship of public discourse would not be tolerated. He noted that the stream had been cut because it was believed some comments and questions might be "harsh" or unflattering to the President and unsuitable for public viewing. However, Boko emphasised that, as President, he welcomed all feedback, whether critical or complimentary, and that his role was to listen and provide solutions to grievances.

The broadcaster, which has long been synonymous with state-controlled narratives, now has an opportunity to redefine its role under the Umbrella for Democratic Change. If Boko’s stance is anything to go by, the "UDC BTV" could usher in a new era of public broadcasting one that prioritises transparency, accountability, and inclusivity over partisan loyalty.

For a channel long accused of neglecting the public interest, this transformation could restore its credibility and align it with the values of a modern democracy. The question now is whether BTV will seize this moment to truly serve the public as a national broadcaster or simply shift its allegiance to the new ruling party.

16/12/2024

UNIPOD LAUNCH

16/12/2024

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS (SONA)

PUBLIC BUSINESS
*Questions
*Response to the President's Speech
*Statement

16/12/2024

PRESIDENT ADVOCATE DUMA BOKO VISITS THE BOTSWANA POLICE SERVICE