16 Dec 2014

The Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, has thanked residents of Moshupa/Manyana constituency for voting him back to Parliament for a second term.

Mr Masisi told a Manyana kgotla meeting today (December 16) that he appreciated the support, which saw him ascend to the vice presidency. 

“I sincerely want to thank you for the opportunity you gave me because I know that if it was not for the support you gave me, I would not have come this far and I promise you that I won’t disappoint," he said.

Although the vice presidency came with additional responsibilities, which might require him to travel across the nation and beyond, Mr Masisi promised to continue working tirelessly for the development of the constituency and the nation at large.

Mr Masisi, also education minister, said he would be guided by the constitution and the laws of Botswana and advised residents to be realistic in their quest for developments. “Although I have been elevated, know that our resource base has not expanded therefore we still have to be realistic in our approach to issues that require money”, he explained.

He said it was pivotal to tread with caution, although the economy had signs of recovery, because the country was still saddled with the debt that was accumulated during recession. 

With this in mind, Mr Masisi said government had taken a deliberate decision to maintain dilapidated infrastructure before moving on to new projects. Meanwhile, the VP also commended residents of Manyana for the reigning spirit of self-help rather than relying solely on government for assistance.

Through such spirit, the residents built a post office and a library and Mr Masisi promised to bring a team from his ministry to fence and fit shelves at the latter during one of the community service days, with a view to meeting them halfway.

He nonetheless raised a concern that some Batswana, despite the available citizen economic empowerment schemes, initiatives and programmes, they were not keen on taking advantage.

On other issues, he called church leaders and parents to develop a keen interest in the education of their children.  He said there was no better way to improve school results than to have stakeholder participation.

Earlier on, Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele in his welcome address had expressed delight for Mr Masisi’s new appointment adding the position would benefit the district. He said the appointment was testimony that President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama had faith in Mr Masisi thus urged electorates to do likewise. ENDS