26 Oct 2016

The new national president of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Botswana, Mr Innocent Thukwi has been advised to stand firm, focus on what matters most and not to allow any distractions to limit his capabilities.

The immediate past president, Ms Florence Chilisa said this at the JCI national convention induction dinner in Tsabong recently.

Ms Chilisa encouraged Mr Thukwi and his new board to go all out to further the organisation’s mission.

She also welcomed JCI Maun and JCI Botho University chapters on board, adding that growing the JCI family meant sharing the same vision and striving to achieve the best despite the challenges.

In his inaugural speech, Mr Thukwi said he believed that “leadership is of paramount importance to the performance and success of an organisation.”

He promised to work hand in hand with his board to build sustainable partnerships, focusing on sustainable impact as well as moulding great leaders across all JCI chapters.

Furthermore, he encouraged his new board to stand firm, be bold and engage each other in their aim to take the organisation to another level.

For his part, Tsabong Sub-district council chairperson, Mr Meleko Thumpe commended JCI Botswana members for their commitment in solving problems and bringing positive change in their communities.

“Youth have to embrace the spirit of self-leadership and self-development and an organisation like JCI gives them an opportunity to do that,” said Mr Thumpe.

He further said volunteerism could positively contribute to development and thus challenged young people to make meaningful contribution by using their time to serve.

Mr Thumpe also congratulated JCI Botswana for their 28 years of service, adding that their contribution was recognised in youth empowerment seminars, donations, trainings and networking sessions that the organisation continues to engage in.

At the convention, there was also an anti-corruption dialogue session with the Tsabong Unified Secondary school’s Student representative council organised by representatives from Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and JCI Botswana.

The session aimed at engaging students on measures that could be put in place to fight corruption as it undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development and contributes to governmental instability.

The International vice president, Mr Kabo Garechaba also graced the convention with a presentation themed, ‘Agenda2063: the Africa we want.’

Also inducted into office were the executive vice president Mr Badisa Tlhako, treasurer Mr Gomolemo Tshutle, director of growth and development Mr Steve Moloi, director of programs Ms Lesego Mosetlheng and director of training Mr Mboy Kgosiyabone.

The event also provided an opportunity for youth to expand the network and dialogue with like-minded active citizens who have a burning desire to be better. ENDS