01 Oct 2020

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has urged Batswana to use the opportunity presented by COVID-19 to explore other avenues of economic diversification.

Speaking Wednesday, September 30, on the occasion of Botswana’s 54th independence anniversary, Dr Masisi said the pandemic  had pushed some to realise their innovation capacities and abilities as demonstrated by COVID-19 related equipment development and services provision.

The equipment and services had gone a long way in assisting government in its efforts to contain the pandemic, he said.

President Masisi said COVID-19 had brought to the fore the need for Botswana to move speedily with  implementation of the national development agenda for the benefit of its citizens.

He expressed gratitude that the last meeting of Parliament approved the National Development Plan 11 mid-term review.

The approval, he said, was a significant milestone which would facilitate government to effectively implement the country’s transformation agenda.

President Masisi explained that government had approved the economic recovery and transformation plan expected to provide direction on ways of boosting the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Another expectation was that the plan would cushion the economy from the unprecedented shock brought about by the scourge, said the President.

President Masisi thanked the country’s political leadership, private sector, individuals and the international community for their invaluable support to government in its fight against COVID-19.

He said it was his intention to continue relying on the political will of men and women from across the political divide to act in unity for Botswana’s survival.

“Let me assure you that the promises which this government has made to you, including job creation particularly for our young people and achieving a knowledge-based economy still stand and will come to fruition,” he said.

On other issues, Dr Masisi said due to drought experienced in some parts of the country, government was providing appropriate measures to support farmers.

 The support included insurance cover for seasonal loans to cushion losses due to crop failure and  provision of a 20 per cent livestock feed subsidy, he said.

He encouraged all to utilise the  support and urged farmers to take advantage of the rains to plough well on time in order to produce food for the people.

On the country’s 54th anniversary of independence, the President noted that it was the first Botswana Day celebrations since the October 2019 general elections.

He applauded Batswana for participating in the important national exercise during which they chose their political leadership to take Botswana to the next level of development.

Noting that traditionally September 30 was characterised by pomp and ceremony, the President said  this year people were marking the national day in a more sombre mood.

“We all know that the reason for this state of despondency and disruption is occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on the economy as well as the wellbeing of the people of this nation. It is indeed sad that the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise rapidly in Botswana,” he said.

He said he was fully aware that the stringent, yet necessary measures government was implementing in efforts to contain the spread and transmission of COVID-19, had unintended consequences on the entire country.

Businesses had been brought to their knees and consequently many people were likely to lose their jobs, the President said.

President Masisi observed that the impact of COVID-19 was even more excruciating for the less privileged members of society.

He said small businesses which had over the years sustained livelihoods of those in the informal sector were suffering due to depressed business environment.

However, President Masisi urged people to be optimistic about the future assuring Batswana that government would continue to work hard to protect their  welfare.

He advised Batswana to stay home with their families, continue adhering to the health protocols of social distancing, washing hands frequently, sanitizing and wearing masks properly in public. Ends