01 Sep 2021

Outgoing SADC executive secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence-Tax has been lauded for serving with distinction during her tenure at the helm of the regional body. 

  Speaking during Dr Lawrence-Tax’s valedictory call on him yesterday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said she had been deeply committed to  SADC ideals. 

“We would like to thank you for your service, for your humanity. You have served eight successful years and waived the flag of SADC across Africa and internationally. You have done well and we want to thank you immensely for that,” President Masisi said.

President Masisi said he was pleased that she managed to settle in well in Botswana while serving the region as a whole. 

“You have been a resident of Gaborone. It has been a home away from home and we are not surprised since there had been a very close, almost kinsman-like relationship between President Sir Seretse Khama and Julius Nyerere (the founding presidents of Botswana and Tanzania). So when we had a Tanzanian national come to head SADC we felt that sense of comfort,” Dr Masisi said. 

The President further said he hoped that as Dr Lawrence - Tax returned to Tanzania, she would be open to serving SADC in other capacities. 

“We wish you well in your future endeavours in Tanzania. As I said in Lilongwe at the recent SADC summit, we will prevail on you and your government to release you to do some duty for SADC as the need arises,” he said.

Responding, Dr Lawrence-Tax said she would indeed be available to assist with any SADC assignment.

She expressed gratitude for the hospitality and support extended to her during in Botswana from the time she commenced her duties as SADC executive secretary in September 2013.

Dr Lawrence-Tax praised President Masisi for the country’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic stating that SADC staff had been fortunate to be based in Botswana at a time when the disease burden was much higher elsewhere. 

Additionally, Dr Lawrence - Tax wished her successor, Mr Elias Magosi well expressing confidence that he was suitably disposed to steer the regional ship. 

“When I first came and looked at those who had served before me, I was astonished that there had never been a SADC executive secretary from Botswana. Now I am very happy that I am handing over to Botswana, to someone I know having worked with for a short period of time,” Dr Lawrence-Tax stated. ends