17 Feb 2016

Scores of people who thronged Serowe main kgotla on Tuesday envision Botswana to be a beacon with a stable economy that permits various Batswana players to partake.  

Speaking before a Dr Alfred Tsheboeng led group attendants have contributed their ideas towards a Botswana they envision in 2036 as well as a Motswana in the same year.

To necessitate the vision of a beacon where various players are allowed to partake, top on the various speakers’ list was botho. Commentators envisioned a Botswana where Botho as a virtue would have advanced to higher proportions. They opined that where Botho is in force, respect for each other especially by youth towards adult populace would prosper.

Also, the people opined that where there is respect and good governance there is higher likelihood that peace would prevail in Botswana of 2036.

But, that has to be juxtaposed with advancement in love and spirituality the nation over. Without love and high moral standards, it was argued, the nation would deteriorate into a mess.

To build his case, one Motshidisi Segolodi claimed that ridding unpalatable language in the future Botswana would breed a virtue of respect amongst Batswana and expatriates .

To achieve all the dreams for 2036, a strong education system capable of producing a competitive workforce globally was deemed key. By this, attendants called on for reinstatement of the famed Mr Patrick van Ransburg’s education with production.

“There’s need to develop infrastructure at farms and other areas of production for ease of feeding the nation by 2036,” said Steady Sethaba who is a farmer and a proponent of education with production.

On other educational matters, some speakers advocated for the use of sign languages and other forms of communication for people with disabilities.

In their deliberations, some commentators dreamt of a secure and hospitable Botswana where dress code is usually modest.

For others like Ms Mmakgosana Mmatli, the ideals put forward during the reign of the late Sir Seretse Khama such as self-reliance would still be relevant in the future Botswana. She argued that a self-reliant Batswana would reduce the burden of too much dependence of government for virtually everything.

She further suggested that Batswana specialists especially doctors should be lured back to the country to serve their own people and build a Botswana for Batswana.

The youth yearned for a Botswana where performing artist could earn a living from their talents. They envisaged a Botswana where performing arts should be an employing sector in 2036.

For his part, prior to comments, Vision 2036 chairperson, Mr Neo Moroka thanked dikgosi and their subjects for thronging the main kgotla in large numbers despite the inconveniences they suffered the previous day as many were unaware of the meeting.

Mr Moroka informed residents and those from peripheries about Vision 2036 operations and mandate as appointed by President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama on October 19 last year.

The committee consists of politicians, Ntlo ya Dikgosi representatives, Vision 2016, Business community amongst a host of other stakeholders and or players. The 34 members committee is expected to submit a report to the president in May this year, a year in which the country celebrates 50 years of independence as well as the end of Vision 2016. Ends