05 Oct 2014

The Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, has been applauded for desiding to retire when he feels that he has done enough for the country.

Giving a farewell statement at Dr Kedikilwe’s official farewell dinner in Gaborone on October 3, President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama said this was something people did not always see in politics, “where a leader willingly relinquishes a position because he feels he has done his duty and should now pass the baton to others.”

Dr Kedikilwe’s political career started in 1984 when he was elected Member of Parliament for Mmadinare. In the same year, Dr Kedikilwe commonly known as PHK, was appointed to cabinet as the assistant minister of finance and development planning. 

He subsequently served as full minister in various portfolios, culminating in his recent service as Minister of Minerals, Energy and water Resources, where he notably oversaw the relocation of the Diamond Trading Company to Botswana.

The President further told the gathering, which included former presidents Sir Ketumile Masire and Dr Festus Mogae, former cabinet ministers and speakers of the National Assembly, the diplomatic corps, dikgosi and CEOs from parastatals and senior government officials that Dr Kedikilwe as a consummate politician, served the Botswana Democratic Party as treasurer from 1987 to 1994 and also as chairperson from 1994 to 2003, a post he currently holds. 

The President, also noted that Dr Kedikilwe, also served in a number of important national commissions, including as a chairperson of the 1992 Presidential Commission on Education.

“His status has been further reflected over the years in the domestic and international recognition of his many achievements. Aside from the Naledi Ya Botswana, these include the Presidential Order of Honour in 1992, an Honorary Degree of Law (UB) in 2007; and the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, which was awarded to him by the Emperor of Japan in 2011".

President Khama further stated that as Vice President, Dr Kedikilwe had been a rock of support, bringing in to the post the emotional intelligence and wisdom born of his vast experience.

To Dr Kedikilwe, he said “Honorius, the eloquence of your orations will be especially missed. We are not likely to soon see another so well versed in the language of the Caesars or so given to learned quotations.” 

Dr Kedikilwe’s record of service could be traced back to 1970 when he joined the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, following his completion of a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Four years later he had risen to the level of director of financial affairs; which at the time was equivalent to the rank of deputy permanent secretary.

In recognition of his abilities, in 1977 he was promoted to the post of permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mines, Works and Communications. 

Thereafter, from 1979-84, he headed the Department of Public Service Management (DPSM) within the Office of the President, where he on occasion also acted as the permanent secretary. ends