23 Sep 2020

Achieving the “Prosperity for All” Vision 2036 goal requires concerted efforts by all Batswana, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

Presenting a ram to 54-year-old, Ms Emily Selabeka of Kudumatse on September 23,  Dr Masisi stressed the need for collective effort to meet the needs and aspirations of every Motswana, “as our National Vision 2036 compels us to work together as one”. 

President Masisi, who is the Vision 2036 champion, said, through the small stock initiative, he was also driving the vision’s ideals. 

He encouraged small stock farmers to seize the opportunity and venture into the industry in large numbers and maximise their contribution towards attainment of the country’s aspirations espoused in the national vision.

Donating another  ram to 41-year-old Mr Akanyang Boy of Tewane, Dr Masisi said the presidential initiative was meant to unlock the entrepreneurial spirit within up-and-coming small stock  producers.

“Embracing our national principles of independence and self-reliance will help us to empower and improve the livelihoods of every Motswana, to ensure we do not leave anyone behind,” he said.

Venturing into the business would help feed the nation and close the food security gap, said the President. 

Meanwhile, Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Karabo Gare has described the small stock initiative as a step in the right direction towards realisation of Vision 2036. 

Mr Gare encouraged Mr Boy and Ms Selabeka to grow their small stock farming into profitable businesses assuring them that opportunities would be availed for them to be equipped with basic business skills.

“Invest in opportunities that exists in the domestic agricultural sector as a way to ultimately export to international markets,” said Mr Gare.

For his part, Vision 2036 coordinator, Mr Christopher Molomo encouraged the two farmers to work together to meet each other’s needs through value chain opportunities. 

The gift, Mr Molomo said, was given to small stock farmers in recognition of their potential to contribute to a commercially viable agricultural sector.

Another speaker, the district agricultural coordinator, Mr Obert Mabutha explained that Mr Boy and Ms Selabeka’s projects were self-funded.

In the case of Ms Selabeka, he said she was currently supplying the government’s Livestock Management and Infrastructure Development programme and had managed to build a house through the proceeds.

In their vote of thanks, MPs Mr David Tshere and Mr Yandani Boko, for Mahalapye west and east respectively, hailed Dr Masisi for  the noble gesture. 

Mr Tshere encouraged Mr Boy to take good care of the ram in order to reap long term benefits whilst Mr Boko advised Ms Selabeka to work harmoniously with other small stock farmers in the area and provide assistance where necessary.

Ends