31 Aug 2016

Batswana have been urged to appreciate developmental strides the country made since gaining independence.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Phuduhudu in the Kgalagadi District on Tuesday, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu said Batswana needed to reflect on the journey from independence.

The country, he said, had become not only a beacon of peace, but made remarkable achievements in improving its infrastructure and citizenry.

He said Botswana had since independence embarked on liberal political and economic reforms. 

Since then, the country’s democracy guided by the constitution, has been the engine of growth and government created a conducive environment for private sector participation and growth.

The economy, Mr Batshu said, had been transformed into a burgeoning free market devoid of price, exchange and interest controls.

“Botswana’s investment climate today is characterised by a stable macro-economic and democratic political system which the entire citizenry must be proud of,” he said. He said government was a signatory to several declarations on human rights and sustainable development, adding that the civil society was growing both in stature and  service delivery to the community they served.

Mr Batshu said as the country celebrated 50 years of independence, government had overarching goals to become a prosperous country, with a competitive and outward-oriented economy, where poverty is eradicated or significantly reduced to minimal levels. 

He said government has also embarked on the anti-corruption drive, in order to combat corruption and economic crimes in the country. Mr Batshu stated that a key objective of government over the past years had been to reposition the economy with a view to take full advantage of the rebound in global economic activity and trade, resulting in improved living standards.

He added that government had also enhanced public service delivery and provision of essential socio-economic infrastructure.

Mr Batshu also pleaded with the community to work hand in hand with the civil society on matters pertaining to community empowerment and nation building as well as preparations for the golden jubilee celebrations.

Furthermore, he encouraged Batswana to sing the National Anthem with pride and give it the decency it deserved.

He highlighted that the National Anthem evokes and eulogises the history and tradition of Botswana, hence the nation should pride its self with its composition and honour whenever it is sang.

The minister further indicated that the National Anthem promotes unity and patriotism in the country that are some of the key pillars that strengthens democracy.

He said a National Anthem was one of the most important aspects of Botswana’s independent status.

He said the constant singing of our National Anthem was one of the potent factors in developing and enriching patriotism. ENDS