06 Dec 2016

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama says the country’s 50^th Anniversary celebrations this year were a reminder of not only past achievement but also the potential for greater things if Batswana remained united and focused on shared aspiration to build a better Botswana.

In his State-of-the-Nation-Address Monday (December 5), President Khama said the domestic impact of the continued volatility in global markets was, however, a stark reminder of the risks Botswana faced in its progress.

“Over the past year our unity and patriotic commitment as a nation was symbolised by the wearing of our national colours of blue, white and black. Moving forward I take this opportunity to call on Batswana to continue to make Friday’s our National Colours Day, as a reminder of where we have been and where we wish to go as a united and proud people,” he said.

In achieving the vision of a better future, he said while overcoming current challenges, it was not enough that the country had sound plans and a practical as well as positive long term vision.

“To succeed we must become much more urgent in our delivery. This is a daily challenge for all of us, both inside and outside government. Over-reliance on the state is not a sustainable much less optimal path to 2036,” he said.

In charting the path forward, President Khama encouraged Batswana to be mindful and continue to seek the blessings of the Lord who made all things humanly possible.

“As a nation united under God’s mercy, I would like to encourage religious leaders to continue to join together in organising common prayers for rains and the wellbeing of the nation. Finally, let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a joyous and safe Christmas Holiday season and a happy New Year to come. May God bless us all. Let me conclude my remarks by once more observing that we as a people are standing on the launch pad to greater heights,” he said. ENDS