30 Jan 2018

Botswana’s former presidents have been commended for respecting the constitution of the land by vacating the presidential seat after their terms have elapsed.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting at Ditimamodimo Ward in Serowe Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security Mr Kgotla Autlwetse informed audience about the impending farewell meetings to be addressed by President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

Mr Autlwetse said  Botswana, unlike many African countries continued to be blessed with presidents who respect the constitution.

Mr Autlwetse said contrary to a common practice in some African countries where presidents would collude with cronies within parties and governments with the intention to extend their stay on power by moving to amend the constitution, former Botswana presidents have not set such a bad precedence.

Me Autlwetse, also Serowe North MP said in countries where presidents ruled beyond their statutory term ended up stirring conflict.

He told the meeting that even ascendency to the top seat to succeed the outgoing president in Botswana had always been smooth since it was clearly enshrined in the constitution.

The Vice President automatically assumes the reigns.

To drive his point home, Mr Autlwetse informed his constituents that Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi would automatically succeed President Khama.

He said though an undocumented custom, Batswana always conducted farewell parties or events for those leaving their employ and or offices and as such the same gesture should be extended to President Khama who leaves office at the end of March.

As such, he called on his electorate to prepare for the president’s farewell event.

He said as a custom Batswana should contribute to President Khama’s farewell.

He, however, said people should not feel coerced to contribute and explained that there was no set limit on contributions.

Mr Autlwetse said the people of Moshupa/Manyana constituency, where President Khama started his farewell meetings, had set the tone and raised the bar by willingly handing over gifts to the President.

Whilst urging his constituents to prepare thoroughly for President Khama’s farewell, he called on his constituents not to sideline public officers.

He said they too deserved to play a role in such events where an all-inclusive programme had been drawn for countrywide tours. ENDS