29 Jul 2015

Sir Ketumile Masire is the “chief engineer and architect of the political miracle that is the Republic of Botswana,” and different generations have to be grateful for the role he has played in shaping the country’s socio-political and economic landscape.

These were the words of the  University of Botswana (UB) vice chancellor, Professor Thabo Fako, during a Tuesday ceremony (July 28) held by the institution in honour of its chancellor, Sir Ketumile.

He said at the occasion to mark the chancellor’s 90th birthday that Sir Ketumile’s selfless contribution inspired the atmosphere of peace and tranquility that prevailed in the country.

“Sir Ketumile has been driven by a sense of duty; simple but genuine service, realising that leadership is about respecting others and giving them attention, about inspiring people not intimidation, building cohesion, governing, not ruling,” Prof Fako said.

He further lauded Sir Ketumile for building national social cohesion through respecting opponents.

“He is a man who realised the importance of respecting opposition parties, that they should be given respect and regularly engaged in national discourse,” he said.

In addition, Prof. Fako said Sir Ketumile had been responsible for framing a climate of economic progress and low corruption levels in post-independence Botswana and shaping national policy towards prudent management of economic resources, and the provision of education and health facilities, despite the challenges the country faced during its early years of self-rule.

Pro Fako also detailed how Sir Ketumile played a pivotal role in the general oversight of the country’s oldest institution of higher learning, having first become its chancellor from 1982 to 1998 when he handed over to his successor, former president, Mr Festus Mogae.

“From its humble beginnings, UB is now a modern institution with state of the art facilities, over 18 000 students and over 900 academic staff,” Prof Fako said.

Mr Parks Tafa, chairperson of the UB Council, further buttressed Prof. Fako’s words, saying the story of Botswana’s political and economic development was incomplete without the mention of Sir Ketumile.

He thanked him for his leadership of the country and the university.

Sir Ketumile expressed his gratitude to the university and urged the younger generation congregated for the occasion to work towards taking the country to the next level.

“We rely on you. You are the future of this country. Products of the university should make it their mandate to help develop this country. As parents, we always want our children to achieve more than we have, and my hope is to see the next generation excel,” Sir Ketumile said. Ends