18 Feb 2018

Away from formal kgotla settings, deep in the sandy terrains of Sandveld Farms, President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama is greeted by cattle farmers, clad in a typical farmers’ khakhi regalia. One can safely say he is now one of their own after amassing a good number of livestock as farewell gifts.

It was a gathering of Sandveld ranchers and their farm workers, government employees and of course the President’s entourage, a notable departure from a normal kgotla meeting where upon his arrival the President would be greeted by spirited ululations and enthuse.

President Khama, at Kagotsie farm, was gifted with 35 cattle, a bull, two sheep and goats, a horse, P25 000 shares at Tlou Energy, before he announced his acceptance to become a patron of national beef producers.

“I don’t know if you were serious about me becoming your patron,” President Khama posed to the chairperson of Botswana National Beef Producers Union (BNBPU) who affirmed, giving a green light to the President who then declared, “Let me then announce that I accept the invitation to be your patron.”

Like all farmers, President Khama said he expected to be a very busy man upon elapse of his term in office end of March. He said farming and presidency required much of his time and hence he opted to go small in his farming endeavors whilst still a President. Then he kept a sizeable number of goats, sheep and engaged in horticulture.

Responding to some of the concerns raised by various stakeholders in beef production especially as regards Botswana Meat Commission, President Khama said that he expected a Cabinet memo in two weeks and that the decision taken would be right.

MP for Shoshong Mr Dikgang Makgalemele said President Khama supported cattle and or beef sector during his presidency. He cited youth development fund as one of those that enabled youth to venture into cattle farming.

He also expressed hope that President Khama as chancellor of BUAN would continue offering support to cattle farmers. Ends