14 Dec 2017

Christmas came early for Moshupa villagers yesterday (December 14) when President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama donated P20 000 towards completion of the village kgotla shelter.

In a jubilant mood characterised by ululations, chanting and dances, Moshupa- Manyana residents appreciated the donation.

Speaking during his first meeting of his farewell tour, which was held at Moshupa kgotla, President Khama also appreciated the gifts in the form of herds of cattle, small stock, pigs and chickens from Moshupa-Manyana residents, which he said demonstrated the ideals of Botho.

In an interview, a village elder, who is also in the Moshupa Kgotla Shelter Building Project committee, Mr Tom Kontle said what the President had done was historic, noting that the donation would assist them to finish off the project, which they had challenges finding funds for.

“When we heard the announcement, I and my colleagues were happy, re ne re thuntsha menwana (we twitched our fingers),” he said.

He said a kgotla was an apolitical space that required everyone to make use of and air their views freely.

On other issues, Mr Kontle commended President Khama for leaving a legacy in tourism, arts and culture, which he said were key to developing the nation.

“We did not know of Khawa until the President came, we did not know of Polka dance until he came and made it popular through his support, we have also seen his excellence in transforming the youth,” he said.

In yet another interview, Mr Lebatla Kenosi, who is a former school head for about 11 junior schools across the nation, appreciated President Khama for donating funds towards completion of the village kgotla, which he said was the core of democracy.

He said the donation came at an opportune time when villagers needed it the most.

On other issues, he applauded President Khama for choosing Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi as his Vice President, whom he said had no doubt would do well when he ascends to office on April 1, 2018.

He said the Vice President Masisi, whom he had worked with in the early 1980s when he was an English teacher at Mmanaana Junior School, had done a lot to transform Botswana’s education system during his tenure.

He said Vice President Masisi was undoubtedly an intelligent teacher, who delivered with excellence and so the nation should embrace itself for a hardworking leader, who is ready to lead the nation forward. ENDS