18 Feb 2018

President Lieutenant Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has indicated that  he was grateful that Poverty Eradication beneficiaries were cognisant of how the programme had positively impacted their lives.

President Khama said this during a kgotla meeting held to bid him farewell in Rakops on February 16, stating he was humbled to realise that people were highly appreciative of the programmes he introduced to uplift the livelihoods of Batswana.

He stated he would continue serving Batswana even after the elapse of his term of office, noting he would be taking over his chieftainship role.

President Khama expressed delight indicating how touched he was by the multitudes of people who came to bid him farewell in Boteti West.

In addition, he indicated that one of the elderly people also a person living with disability Mr Makunda Molatlhiwa from Mopipi who had requested a house, would be assessed as per his request.

President Khama stated that by 2019/2020 the intended objective of establishing shelter for Batswana and restoring their dignity should have been reached. He stated that 800 houses have already been built since the inception of housing appeal programme.
President Khama commended Minister Slumber Tsogwane also the area Member of Parliament for Boteti West, saying he was committed and passionate about his job.

He also noted that the people of Boteti West were blessed to have ‘an intelligent and committed’ specially elected Member of Parliament Ms Bogolo Kenewendo.

President Khama was responding to Ms Utlwang Nkgowa, poverty eradication beneficiary, who had indicated that the programme had made a significant impact in her life, calling for its continuation even after his term of office.

His departure she sad had left them with mixed feelings, but said she believed he would continue serving Batswana.

Mr Makunda Molatlhiwa commended Khama for the good spirit he showcased by visiting all villages across the country, entering homes of the poor members of society indiscriminately.

He reiterated that they were not actually bidding him farewell but were instead welcoming their kgosi back home, adding President Khama did a lot for them during the 10 years that he had been in office.

Boteti West MP Mr Slumber Tsogwane praised President Khama saying Batswana would always remember him for his good works and dedication he demonstrated towards serving them. He noted a quotation saying,

President Khama he said, had left a legacy for Batswana as he linked ethnic groups and recognised such groups as Bayeyi.

Specially selected MP Ms Bogolo Kenewendo said President Khama had set standards for Batswana on how they should treat each and their fellow members of society.

Ms Kenewendo stated that Batswana were trying to demonstrate love and affection appreciating how he served them with passion, love and care through the gifts that they donated.

Business community representative, Ms Enny Engliton praised President Khama for boosting local business growth by introducing local procurement, local economic development as well as gender affairs programme among others.

Boteti West residents donated 65 cattle, four horses, 12 sheep, 37 goats and funds that amounted to over P 51 000. Ends