18 Feb 2018

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama says he still has time to assist Batswana before his tenure comes to an end on March 31.

Speaking in a full kgotla meeting as Balete had come in droves to bid him farewell, the President said although he would be vacating office, he will continue to help Batswana whenever they needed him.

He further promised to ensure that the friendship which his parents had with Balete royal house, continued after he left office.

This was after Balete Kgosi kgolo, Kgosi Mosadi Seboko talked about the friendship that existed between Kgosi Mokgosi III, her father, and the late president, Sir Seretse Khama.

She said the two families had a strong bond such that when her mother died, President Khama penned a message of condolence and as a tribe will forever treasure it.

Kgosi Mosadi said she was happy the President was abiding by the Constitution which limited presidential term to 10 years.
She said unlike in other countries where presidents were unconstitutionally removed, Batswana were law abiding citizens as shown by the leadership which respected the Constitution.

Kgosi Mosadi called upon the traditional leaders to familiarise themselves with the local laws so they could in turn share their knowledge with the rest of the citizens.

She also thanked the President for his role in the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) saying the institution was important as agriculture has the potential to  create the much needed jobs and add to economic growth.

Kgosi Mosadi further thanked President Khama for launching Vision 2036 and for championing the pillar of Prosperity for All. She promised him full support to ensure this is attained.
Ramotswa MP Mr Samuel Rantuana read a letter from one Tshepo Motlhabi, a person living with disability, saying they have been able to add value in to the economic and social spheres of the country through programmes established by the President.

MP Rantuana asked the President to help them solve land issues saying some of them were before courts.

He said huge land remained undeveloped near Mogobane .

For his part, a member of Business Council Mr Tshepo Keakile said the business community was happy as the President has established an environment in which businesses thrive.

He further said programmes such as the Economic Diversification Drive.
 have allowed citizen owned companies to get priority from government when awarding tenders.

Mr Kebakile said this has enabled citizen businesses to grow, adding further that a 15 per cent reserved for youth owned businesses was a welcomed development.
Youth companies have also benefited from the Economic Stimulus Programme.

Another resident thanked the President for construction of a bridge linking Botswana and South Africa saying Ramotswa residents do not have to travel to either Tlokweng or Lobatse to cross into the neighbouring country.

He also said the Gaborone/Boatle dual carriageway under construction will also ease traffic along the road.

The President was also recognised for starting the Constituency Games and the Youth Development Fund and for giving Dikgosi more powers.

Meanwhile the President was showered with gifts amongst them a horse, a portrait, two cows, a goat and numerous hens. Ends