20 Nov 2014

A lot of progress and achievements has been made over the years in all Vision 2016 pillars, says former specially elected MP, Dr Gloria Somolekae.

Officially opening a two-day vision 2016 regional conference held in Palapye on November 18, Dr Somolekae said optimal performance had been realised.

She said the National Development Plan 10, which was the first to comprehensively mainstream the various pillars of the vision, was affected by the global economic meltdown hence the country had to shelve a number of key projects due to lack of financial resources. The country still managed to make strides in all the pillars, she added.

Dr Somolekae said it was gratifying to see the vision council relentless in its mission of promoting the vision and most importantly monitoring its implementation. 

The day held under the theme “Transformation Towards Prosperity for all,” was aimed at sharing experiences on best practices of living the vision through implementing smart partnerships and strategies in the districts. 

In addition, it was aimed at promoting transformation that leads to eradication of poverty, improvement of quality of education, eradication of disease, fighting crime and promoting growth.

Dr Somolekae who is also the former Vision 2016 chairperson said the meeting gives stakeholders time to reflect on programmes they have been pursuing overtime in the spirit of vision 2016.

“This meeting gives you an opportunity to reflect on what has worked and what continues to be a challenge,” she said. She said the assessment that will be carried out across all vision pillars will assist to figure out precisely how transformation in different districts can be undertaken.

Dr Somolekae said some people maintain that a vision is an abstract entity which is not quite true but she said a vision guides in creating a society desired, adding “knowing how you want society to look like, it enables you to figure out what you need and how you need to do it.”

She added that these national aspirations demand a mindset change, a transformation agenda so that problems and challenges are approached innovatively.

“We also need to reflect on what next after vision 2016, how our current vision can better be tailored and aligned to ensure that we build on our solid record as a nation.”  ENDS