03 Apr 2018

Former vice president, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe has described as noble recent smooth transition of power.

Speaking at a dinner hosted in honour of the fourth President Lt General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama by Business Botswana at the University of Botswana recently, Dr Kedikilwe said this celebration deserved pomp.

He said this transition was facilitated in 1977 by a constitutional amendment of which he had the honour to have been assigned to explain to Batswana  following introduction of automatic succession.

He said Business Botswana, as the organisers of the event, had created yet another opportunity for Batswana to salute, to commend and shower praises on the former President for upholding the constitution by abiding by the oath he took in 2008 when he assumed the presidency.

Dr Kedikilwe explained that for Batswana, democracy was not a foreign concept  as shown in such sayings as Kgosi ke Kgosi ka batho. Mmualebe o bua la gagwe and Ntwa kgolo ke ya molomo.

He said other foundations which buttressed the smooth transition Batswana were celebrating included the protection of fundamental rights and freedom of the individuals, the separation of powers for checks and balances of the judiciary, the legislature and the executive.

Dr Kedikilwe further stated that the multi-party state was derived from the 1965 manifesto of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

For his part, one of the national elders, Mr Lebang Mpotokwane explained that Batswana would not tolerate any president who tried to extend their term of office because that would mark the beginning and end of the country’s docile nature.

He said the fourth president deserved congratulations on having disappointed those who doubted his commitment in respecting and defending the Constitution of Botswana.

He explained that the fourth president was not a dictator because he turned out to be a good President just like his father who adhered to the Constitution.  

Mr Mpotokwane further stated that smooth transition of power provided political certainty and stability for any given nation to the investor. In his welcome remarks, Business Botswana president, Mr Gobusamang Keebine explained that Batswana were a lucky nation as there was always a smooth and peaceful transition of power from one leader to the other.

He said Botswana remained a shining example of democracy in Africa as Batswana were proud of their past and present .

He said relationships between government and the private sector, alongside the civil society was critical and in Botswana the two continued to enjoy excellent relations on matters that affected the economy on various platforms.

He said the transition was a reflection of the nature of the people of Botswana, and that of its leadership, and made Botswana a unique country, amongst many other countries.

Meanwhile, former head of the public service, Ms Festinah Bakwena said the former president was a loving person who always wanted to be close to his people as evidenced by his interaction with them around the fire at night.

He said this indicated his humility, accountability and love for his country. She however raised concern that women participation in leadership was low with four women representing in Cabinet.

She therefore appealed to President Mokgweetsi Masisi to look into this issue adding that there are many women outside formal structures who are capable of guiding this country to greater heights.   

Representing theh eads of diplomatic missions in Botswana, Zimbabwe Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Thomas Mandigora applauded the country for the smooth and peaceful transition of power. ENDS