15 Feb 2019

Government is running against time to stabilise Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) finances, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has told the Ghanzi community.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in the township on February 14, the President said apart from unbundling BMC, government was considering relaxation of its contract with the middleman linking Botswana with the EU market with the option of dealing directly with the customers.

The option, he said, was strategic and opportune, as it would enable BMC to sell beef at market prices and also help them pay farmers on time.

Dr Masisi said the involvement of the middleman meant reduction of profit for the BMC.

He pleaded with those requesting government to consider allowing them to open private abattoirs, to be patient, saying that the move would neither be practically possible nor sustainable.

In addition, he said government would continue supporting the beef industry, citing the 25 per cent subsidy on livestock feed and vaccines.

   Dr Masisi challenged challenged the Ghanzi community not to concentrate on the beef industry only but to diversify their businesses.

   On other matters, the President urged Batswana to do away with the dependency syndrome for the betterment of their lives saying it was time citizens established sustainable businesses to deal with unemployment.

Dr Masisi said it was upon an individual to uplift one’s life, while government’s input should be nominal explaining that only during trying times could the state increase its contribution.

He said Batswana should take advantage of trade agreements the country had signed with other states and work hard to penetrate the Chinese market.

In addition, the President challenged government employees to make ample savings while still in service so that they could use the funds to open businesses on retirement.

Ghanzi North MP, Mr Noah Salakae thanked President Masisi for visiting the constituency and shared the same sentiments with the President to the effect that Batswana should start fending for themselves.

“It is important to teach a man how to catch a fish not to supply him with a fish,” stressed Mr Salakae.

He said passion killings in his constituency were a matter of concern, saying such incidents needed spiritual intervention. ends