17 Jan 2018

Residents of Motlhabaneng, both young and old thronged the village kgotla on Tuesday to meet President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, currently traversing the country to bid Batswana farewell as he will be retiring from the presidency end of March this year.

President Khama, who was on transit from Bobonong to Lentswe-le Moriti via Motlhabaneng to meet his countrymen, donated gifts to the elderly, school children and residents in general.

He told residents that he appreciated the retirement gifts that he had received from residents of Motlhabaneng including other places around the country.

Regarding the upgrading of a road to Motlhabaneng, President Khama said he would liaise with Roads Department authorities to find out where the project falls in the development plan and what could be done about it.

When welcoming President Khama at the village, Kgosi Bathuel Machete noted that President Khama had done a good job during his presidency.

He said that President Khama had done a lot for the country, in regard to issues of fighting poverty and providing houses for those in need through the President’s Housing Appeal initiative.

He said many Batswana, including those in Motlhabaneng had benefitted from the initiative and now have a roof over their head.

He further mentioned that the Poverty Eradication Programme President Khama introduced alleviated many from poverty as they now have projects to sustain their lives.

He also noted that the ISPAAD programme had also benefited Batswana.

Kgosi Machete on behalf of the residents requested President Khama to spend the Independence Day celebrations with them in Motlhabaneng.

However, President Khama said he would consider the request.

Also during his visit, Kgosi Machete requested President Khama to continuously visit Motlhabaneng even after retirement from his presidency.

For his part, Member of Parliament for Bobirwa Mr Shaw Kgathi, also Minister of Defence Justice and Security thanked President Khama for taking time to visit Motlhabaneng and bid residents farewell.

He also thanked President Khama for taking into consideration Kgosi Machete and the villagers’ request for him to continuously visit the village even after retirement.

During the meeting, Ms Lynne Stanley from Eco-Training institution based at Mashatu Game Reserve, which trains students from around the country and internationally on field guiding, conservation, preservation of the environment and natural heritage handed over a gift to President Khama on behalf of her organisation.

She told BOPA in an interview that they gave the present to President Khama as a token of appreciation for what he had done and was still doing in terms of promoting conservation and preservation of the environment and wildlife as well as other natural heritage aspects.

Further, she said the gift was to thank President Khama for giving them the opportunity to operate in Botswana and also enjoy and appreciate the wildlife, environment. ENDS