25 Mar 2018

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has declared that he would be a full time farmer when he vacates his position on March 31.

President Khama made the promise during his farewell dinner organised by Ghanzi Farmers Committee at Tautona lodge on March 23.

He held that owing to the nation’s tremendous generosity of gifting him with plentiful livestock and other components of farming and farming materials, during his farewell occasions, he said his destiny was now defined and he was prepared to chase it.

President Khama said in the past he was not an active farmer  until few months ago as he did not have many cattle and kept the little he had in someone’s farm.

“I am not going to be an end of month farmer or weekend farmer but I will truly be a serious farmer,” President Khama promised.

President Khama expressed gratitude to Ghanzi farmers, saying that he had never thought he would be given such quality and quantity of cattle.

Earlier on the day, Ghanzi South residents donated 35 cattle to him while Ghanzi North constituents donated him 140 cattle, among other livestock and many other donations.

He noted that some of the livestock he received from Batswana would be kept at his 6x6 kilometre farm.

The President also thanked those who donated wildlife to him, saying he had passion for wildlife.

Member of Parliament for Ghanzi South, Mr Christian De Graaff hailed the President for his  good visionary leadership which he said had been commended by world leaders such as former President of the United States of America, Mr Barrack Obama.

Mr De Graaff said during his tenure, President Khama came up with good initiatives that brought positive changes to the nation citing programmes such as Ipelegeng, Economic Stimulus Programme and ISPAAD.

He   said President Khama revived and promoted culture through constituency art competitions, creating joy and self-employments along the way and he created employment for the youth by establishing youth programmes, and reintroducing Tirelo Setshaba.

Consequently, he said President Khama who has been his role model and mentor has left great legacy behind and has laid a strong and everlasting foundation.

Mr  De Graaff said it was encouraging  that the President would leave the country in good hands of  deputy, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Also,he thanked  politicians, tribal leaders  and public servants for their positive contributions  towards the attainment of the government mandate and the  development of the country during President Khama’s presidency.

Equally, President Khama said it was a blessing to have Mr De Graaff  in his Cabinet as he was wonderful minister, loyal, hard worker and supportive, particularly towards charitable   organisations.

Ghanzi District Commissioner, Mr Loeto Porati promised the departing President that the district would continue to strive towards delivering the poverty eradication aspirations and would  bring all on board.

For his part, the chairperson of Ghanzi Farmers Association, Mr Motshwari  Mogapi said the donations exhibited  appreciation toward President  Khama and it was a testimony “of what a good leader he is”. ENDS