03 Nov 2019

When President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi took oath on November 1, as the fifth president of Botswana, thousands of Batswana who could not reach the UB Indoor Sports Arena were glued to television screens, either at home or at selected fan parks to view the pristine event.

Over 57 fan parks had been established across the country to accord Batswana the opportunity to witness the event.

In Gaborone, BOPA reporter Gobe Memo reports that residents of Old Naledi expressed delight towards the live streaming of the president’s inauguration, which they described as a continuing legacy of democracy. 

In an interview, Old Naledi deputy court president, Kgosi Edith Morebodi described the outcome of the 23rd October national poll as a testament to Batswana’s trust on the incoming president. She said the onus was now on the President to improve and uplift the pronouncements that he had made to win.

“Rome was not built in a day, as such Batswana should be patient and pray for ‘this president’ to be a good leader,” she noted, adding that Batswana should support the President for him to be a good leader.

Another resident of Old Naledi, Mr Buka Ngogo described the President as deserving of the high seat in the country.

He said that the nation’s vested trust in President Masisi should not be broken, noting that he should work to promote the rule of law and improve the lives of marginalised people who had for a long time remained in poverty.

From Jwaneng Olekantse Sennamose reports that the live streaming of President Masisi’s inauguration had made the residents appreciate the event, unlike in the past were it was more of a Gaborone affair.

Speaking after the live streaming at Cresta Hotel, one resident, Ms Jill Motlhagodi the arrangement as an indication of respect and consideration for all citizens across the country.

Former mayor for Jwaneng, Mr Moshe Gare expressed the desire to get President Masisi’s message to the nation first hand, adding that if it was not for the live streaming arrangemet, he would have been forced to travel all the way to Gaborone.

He said live streaming of all the  proceedings saved him and other like-minded citizens the travel expenses and time.

Mr Gare also said that President Masisi’s speech was full of positives, especially on issues of education, unemployment and rooting out corruption.

From Gumare, Segolame Seidisa reports that most villagers  said President Masisi’s  inauguration day had the solemnity to bring Batswana together.

The resident watched the live streaming at the village kgotla, where Kgosi Molelwa described the inauguration day as ‘a day of happiness and celebration’.

“According to my level of understanding and observation, with President Masisi leading the country, a big change is beckoning.

Despite being faced with challenges, I believe he has the tenacity to tackle them head on,’’ he said.

Furthermore, Kgosi Molelwa appreciated the showers of rain which fell during the wee hours of Friday morning, pronouncing that such was a clear indication of abundant blessings ahead.

In Maun some elders implored Batswana to rally behind the current administration, which they said had expressed the zeal to transform the country.

BOPA reporter Esther Mmolai conducted interviews after the inauguration and most residents stressed the need for the nation to accord the president support to achieve his agenda.

They described Dr Masisi as a true leader with a clear vision of where he would like to take the nation.

Brigadier Letsogile Motsumi hailed President Masisi’s inauguration speech, which he said had brought hope to the hopeless.

The inauguration, he said, spelt  victory for the nation as he had their interests at heart and wished the people could remain focused and support him in his endeavour.

“His efforts are indicated by positive results evidenced by representatives from Asian countries such as Qatar embracing his inauguration.

He has proved that Botswana is not an island and is willing to work with other countries,” he added.

Mr Phutego Mwenda concurred that the President needed support to achieve his agenda.

He expressed high hopes that he would transform the country as he had already laid a foundation.

He cited the engagement of trade unions, communities in issues of concern before decisions are made and implementation of mega projects across the country, saying it was a welcome development.

Meanwhile, in Kasane, Keamogetse Letsholo reports that Kasane populace welcomed the  live streaming of the ceremony in different areas across the country.

A residents, Mr Moffat Mwezi of the Umbrella for Democratic Change appreciated the live streaming, adding that it was an extension of inclusive democracy.

Mr Mwezi said democracy needed to be nurtured among all stakeholders regardless of their geographical and political background and having live streaming across the country was a step towards the right direction.

He said President Masisi’s inaugural speech was stimulating as it indicated his intentions of having a transparent government that would include everybody and appreciated existing challenges such as youth unemployment.

Mr Mwezi however said the President in his efforts to strengthen democracy should consider proportional representation, saying the current system (first-past the post) excluded the interests of other people.

Mr Amos Mabuku, who is Botswana Democratic Party (BDP)’s councillor elect for Chobe Enclave West, said the current consultation process by the President with Batswana gave him hope that the country was heading in the right direction.

He said the President’s commitment to job creation was a new hope for Batswana.

Mr Mabuku said he was thrilled by President Masisi’s re-commitment to ending corruption and ensuring that perpetrators faced the music.

He said the live streaming of the ceremony revived his hope that one day the parliamentary debates would be broadcast live.

He said he was expecting a lot from the newly inaugurated president, especially in terms of amending the Constitution.

From Kanye,  Kehumile Moekejo reports that a number of people descended on Montshiwa grounds opposite Tomela Council Chambers as early as 6.30am on November 1 to witness the first ever live streaming of the swearing in and inauguration of Botswana’s fifth President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, courtesy of BOFINET.

Just a week from the highly contested general elections, Batswana put aside their different political party affiliations to unite in celebrating the auspicious occasion.

Even though the big screen could not work as initially planned, those who were gathered around the alternative smaller screen were elated to be part of this history.

In an interview, 63-year-old Ms Olatotswe Rabatho said the live streaming initiative was evidence that the country’s leadership cared about Batswana in villages and wanted them to be part of important national events.

She said such gestures would go a long way in promoting unity and peace among Batswana.

Ms Rabatho further said the warm reception by the new administration gave them hope that challenges such as water shortage and unemployment would be addressed.

She said a government that appreciated its people had the potential to unite them from different cultures.

Sharing the sentiments, 57-year-old Mr Tlou Modiki said he was proud as a Motswana because the gesture showed that government recognised its rural populace.

However, he said his wish was for other important national events such as Parliament proceedings to be broadcast live.

“We wish to see live debates of Parliament sessions so that we can see how our representatives deliberate on national issues,” he said. ENDS