03 Apr 2018

Botswana’s public service has been lauded for its professionalism and neutrality, traits which have been said to give the country a competitive advantage in areas of integrity and ethical conduct.

The commendation was made by President Mokgweetsi Masisi in his address to the nation after he was sworn in on Sunday (April 1).

Mr Masisi, who was taking over the presidency from Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, said in addition to such traits, the public service had also managed to remain apolitical, something that he noted was a source of inspiration and hope for all.

“We pride ourselves in our untainted commitment to this ideal which is a source of inspiration and hope to all of us. The narrative and reality that Botswana is peaceful and stable is not and should not be seen in isolation to and of our daily work to make it so,” he said.

He thus implored every citizen to cherish and jealously guard the noble ideal which allowed the country to shine as a beacon and example of hope, stability, peace and tranquility.

“I therefore urge all of you to be vigilant in order to maintain peace and security that this country has enjoyed for more than five decades,” he said. 

All in all, the President said Botswana prided itself in upholding the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights, a tradition that he assured the nation would continue to prevail under his watch.

He said the status quo had been made possible by the fact that Botswana’s democratic tradition was based and founded on the principle of separation of powers between the executive, the judiciary and the legislature.  

On another note, the President highlighted Botswana’s continued commitment to fighting corruption in order to safeguard the hopes and dreams of all Batswana for current and future generations.

He said it was thus incumbent to continue to strengthen the country’s oversight institutions and to exact the full might of the law to ensure the fight against corruption in all its forms and manifestations was won.

On a different matter, Mr Masisi praised Botswana for the important role it continued to play in the promotion of global issues such as respect for human rights, democracy, good governance, as well as the maintenance of international peace and security.

He said the country would also continue to contribute to regional efforts aimed at consolidating democracy, peace and security in the SADC region and beyond.

In the end, he said he would work towards ensuring continued growth in governance through a combination of new legislation and ethical codes.

“I will do my utmost to continually grow confidence in, and of governance, through a combination of new legislation, ethical codes and demonstrable and efficacious behaviours. To this end, expect specific legislation on declaration of assets and liabilities soon,” he said. ENDS