Members of the Upper House of Parliament will leave the country on Sunday for a five day study tour to the Republic of Botswana.

Organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs, the trip is intended to enable members interact with their counterparts in Botswana.

During the tour, members will visit 'Ntlo ea Dikgosi' as the Senate is called in Botswana, mingle with 'Dikgosi' and learn how they handle governance issues.

The Principal Chief of Likhoele, Chief Lerotholi Seeiso embraced the idea in the Senate on Wednesday, saying there is need for Senators to share experiences and challenges facing them on daily basis.

He said Botswana is a nation with principles and integrity hence why as small as it is, it has developed a lot economically and otherwise.

He appealed to members to learn as much as they can from Batswana and thereafter impart the knowledge gained to other local Area Chiefs for the development of the country and its people.

As Chiefs, he said they encourage restorative justice among communities, saying they would also want to establish how it is handled in Botswana.

Echoing the same sentiments, the Principal Chief of Thaba-Bosiu, Chief Khoabane Theko said even though Botswana is a Republic while Lesotho is a Kingdom, the trip is important.

“We really appreciate the ministry's efforts and think the trip will go a long way towards reviving our spirit,” he said.

Members are expected to come back home on March 20.

Source: LENA 10/03/2010