10 Sep 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi says acknowledging the presence and significance of elders is imperative in nation building.

Speaking during a visit to one of the first Members of Parliament, Mr Obed Chilume in Tutume on September 10, President Masisi noted the Bible teaching that “respect your elders so that your days can be increased,” saying it was significant as it guided and built people to have Botho and respect for their elders.

He said elders such as Mr Chilume, who was the first Member of Parliament for Nkange constituency, have played a major role in building Botswana from the grassroots to a country recognised internationally as outstanding.

He stated when he assumed office, he made it a point to revive the spirit of recognising elders because they had something to offer in terms of maintaining continuity and building the future.

He said coming to Mr Chilume was a way of saying ‘thank you’ to him for the work he had done during his time, adding that they had committed themselves to work for their country even at the time when there was little to work with.

He noted that Botswana’s national budget amounted to billions while during the era of Mr Chilume it was way below millions of pula.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the remaining elders were pioneers whose input was still useful.

President Masisi said he was accompanied during the visit by elders from different political parties wings deliberately because despite having differences politically, they were Batswana who wanted success for their country.

He added that such unity among them as politicians would also build families which would have tolerance for their elders at the family level.

Meanwhile, the elders who accompanied President Masisi among them Mr Motlatsi Molapisi of Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) commended him for reviving the spirit of tolerance among Batswana despite their political differences.

He also shared similar sentiments that seeking elders’ input on certain issues helped in making corrections on areas where there were mistakes.

For his part, Mr Daniel Kwelagobe appealed to the ruling party to have an upper hand in recognising people such as Mr Chilume for the role they  played in building, not the ruling party alone, but the country and its politics as well.

He said it would guide people to choose the right platforms to address their differences when time arises.

President Masisi was also accompanied by First Lady Neo Masisi and other elders among them Speaker of Parliament, Ms Gladys Kokorwe, former president Mr Festus Mogae, former ministers Dr Gaositwe Chiepe, Mr Lesedi Mothibamele and leaders of opposition parties, Mr Themba Joina and advocate Sydney Pilane.

President Masisi also donated gifts and 200 blankets which Mr Chilume would give to needy people. ENDS