15 Sep 2020

The President has authority to appoint all high commissioners and ambassadors, says Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Kabo Morwaeng.

Mr Morwaeng told Parliament on Monday that Botswana had a total of 23 envoys, who represented national interests in strategic countries. 

“It is expected that the appointed personalities having in-depth knowledge of their country’s national priorities, challenges and development aspirations,” he said.

 Minister Morwaeng stated that 11 high commissioners and ambassadors as well as one consul general were career diplomats who progressed within the ranks of the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation.

He stated that the other 11 joined the ministry  from other professions as envoys. Concerning their qualifications, Mr Morwaeng stated that the minimum qualification required as per the job effectiveness description of the public service for ambassadors or high commissioners was for one to hold a degree in social sciences, political science, international relations, economics, law, marketing and public administration.

He said over the past 10 years, four appointed ambassadors and high commissioners had lost in general elections.

Minister Morwaeng was answering a question from Francistown South legislator, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, who wanted the minister to give clarification on the number of ambassadors and high commissioners who were career diplomats and those who were political appointees and the qualifications needed for one to be high commissioner or ambassador.

The legislator also wanted clarification on the number of people who were appointed as ambassadors or high commissioners  after they lost elections.ENDS