08 Oct 2013

The outgoing president of Junior Chamber International Botswana (JCI), Mr Kabo Garechaba, inaugurated the newly elected president, Mr Tumelo Masalila, and his new board during the recent JCI National Convention.

Mr Garechaba led the organisation in 2013 after taking over the baton from Mr Davis Mogapi. Speaking during the recent presidential induction dinner for JCI, Mr Garechaba congratulated his successor for having made it to the top and contributing towards realising the mission of JCI Botswana.

He also thanked members for building JCI Botswana into a brand and more importantly for helping him push the mandate of the organisation during his presidency. In ensuring that that the mission was pursued with vigour, he said for the first time this year, JCI worked on a three-year strategy that would become a guiding frame work until 2016.

“I am happy that the general assembly sitting gave a green light to this strategy and many initiatives like the establishment of the JCI foundation, which will seek funds for the development of this organisation,” he said. Mr Garechaba also said that the year 2013 is a historical one and will forever remain engraved in the minds of JCI members and the nation in the organisation hosted the Africa and Middle East Conference.

This proved that JCI Botswana and Batswana were capable of hosting a memorable conference. “We literally brought the world to Gaborone in May during the conference,” he said. “This calls for a great celebration.”

For his part, Mr Masalila thanked members of JCI Botswana for choosing him to lead the organisation. “It is such an honour to be elected as your next 2014 president,” he said. “I am humbled that you would place your faith and trust in me.”

He said the theme for 2014 will be; “Thriving through active citizenship”, and active citizens are individuals invested in the future of their community. Mr Masalila said as such, through this theme, JCI seeks to create sustainable impact, which will be done by encouraging members and the community at large to take responsibility for local issues and find targeted, sustainable solutions that benefit communities.

He called on members and stakeholders to be active in achieving the JCI vision and mission, adding that this call to action includes all sectors of society, including government, business and civil society. Ends