16 Jan 2020

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has appointed Ms Dorcas Makgato as Botswana’s High Commissioner – designate to the Commonwealth of Australia.

A press release from the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation states that Ms Makgato brings to the Foreign Service a wealth of experience and knowledge from the private sector and government, spanning over 20 years.

She served as a Member of Parliament from 2009 to 2019. 

During that period, Ms Makgato also served as Minister in the Ministries of Trade and Industry; Health and Wellness; Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs and most recently, in the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The release says prior to that, Ms Makgato served as the chief executive officer of Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority, which is now the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre.

It further states that she has also served in different private sector and government boards, as well as held several memberships in various organisations.

Ms Makgato is expected to take up her appointment in Australia towards the end of February. 

She replaces Ambassador Lapologang Lekoa, who currently serves as a Resident Ambassador at the ministry headquarters.

The appointment is effective upon assumption of duty.  Ends