30 Sep 2016

Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi has bestowed President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama the 2016 Naledi ya Botswana award.
That was on September 30; at a memorable occasion and a historic moment that will forever stick in the minds of all Batswana who lived to witness Botswana’s 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations held at the National Stadium.
The award is given in recognition of President Khama's outstanding service to Botswana in terms of Botswana Honours Act CAP. 03:06 (2).
Decorating President Khama with the auspicious awards, on behalf of the entire nation and in view of the whole world, Mr Masisi said President Khama had put the lives and dignity of the people of Botswana top of the agenda from the day he assumed office.
“Upon assumption of office, President Khama ushered in a lot of programmes. That is when he set his blueprint based on the 5Ds on Democracy, Delivery, Discipline, Development and Dignity," he said.
Among such programmes, Mr Masisi said, were Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) aimed at procuring from local manufacturers, service providers and agricultural producers.
In agriculture, he said there was Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD), as well as National Master Plan for Arable Agriculture and Dairy Farming (NAMPAAD), all aimed at improving food security in Botswana.
Mr Masisi added that being a strategist and pragmatist, President Khama’s notable initiative was promotion of the arts or creative industry and thus creating employment for the youth.
“This was in fact a continuation of the foundation he had laid whilst at the helm of the Botswana Defence Force, which produced a sizeable number of formidable artists in local and international scene,” he said.
He added that it was during President Khama’s leadership that the sporting world in Botswana also experienced exponential growth.
Further, he said it was also through President Khama’s unwavering support that Botswana’s sportsmen and women were raised to international level repute.
“The support has made athletes and artists to pursue their chosen professions for gainful employment and earn a living doing what they love,” he said. ENDS