The Leader of the House is the minister responsible for the arrangement of government business in the National Assembly of Botswana. The Leader of the House serves as the primary link between the executive and the legislature.
The current Leader of the House is Moeti Mohwasa, Minister for State President, Defence and Security, who has served since 2024.
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Role and functions
The duties of the Leader of the House include selecting public bills and policies to be presented before Parliament, arranging government business in the House, moving procedural motions relating to the business of the House and responding on behalf of the President to the debate on the State of the Nation Address when instructed to do so by the President. The Leader of the House is also responsible for communicating with the Speaker on proposed dates of prorogation or dissolution of the House as determined by the President and for chairing All-Party Caucus meetings or briefings connected with government business.
By virtue of office, the Leader of the House is a member of the Business Advisory Committee. The Business Advisory Committee consists of the Speaker as chairperson, the Leader of the House, the Leader of the Opposition, the Government Whip and the Opposition Whip. The committee considers proposed amendments to the Standing Orders, recommends allocation of debating time for major business such as the State of the Nation Address, appropriation bills and national development plans, prepares business forecasts, prioritises business, and presents forecasts and resolutions to the All-Party Caucus.
Where the Leader of the House is absent, ill or otherwise unavailable, the President is required to designate another minister in writing to discharge the duties of the office.
History
The office has existed since the 1st Parliament elected before Botswana's independence. Quett Masire was the first Leader of the House, serving from 1965 to 1980. The current officeholder is Moeti Mohwasa following the 2024 Botswana general election which saw the Umbrella for Democratic Change form government.
By convention, the vice-president or Minster for State President holds the post of Leader of the House.
Officeholders
Botswana Democratic Party
Botswana National Front (UDC)