02 Nov 2021

Peace and consultation through the kgotla system are some of the traits that set Botswana apart from other African nations.

It is therefore important that the  traits are protected at all costs, says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

He made the remarks when addressing a kgotla meeting in Serowe yesterday.

Dr Masisi said the kgotla system continued to play a key role in unifying the nation by allowing the airing of divergent views thereby promoting and enhancing the consultative spirit that Batswana cherished.

About the impending constitutional review, President Masisi explained that it was a delicate process requiring the participation of all with the view to protect Botswana’s integrity as a republic.He said while the constitution had served Botswana well since coming into effect at independence, it had always been the nation’s prerogative to review it as and when the need arose.

Given that the constitution was the foundation upon which the country’s existence hinged, Batswana had to participate in the review process with sober minds, he said.

President Masisi said participation should also be with the knowledge that they carried the responsibility to protect the same constitution that ensured Botswana enjoyed peace and tranquility since independence.

Encouraging a desire to fight for the good of the republic, Dr Masisi urged the nation to be alive to the fact that owing to the manner of the constitution’s crafting, Botswana, one of Africa’s oldest democracies, had unlike others not experienced civil strife.

On the Reset Agenda, hatched  to guide Botswana's emergence from the COVID-19 era, President Masisi said at its apex was the need to save lives.

He implored the nation to play its part by continuing to adhere to COVID-19 protocols.

The President also pleaded with the public not to be picky when it came to vaccines but to take  whichever vaccine was on offer.

He said his village visits afforded him the opportunity to engage with Batswana guided by the constitution which served every Motswana and regarded all as equal.

Briefing President Masisi earlier, Serowe umbrella Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Mr Teko Thokweng commended government for availing COVID-19 vaccines which he said had seen the lives of many Batswana saved.

Mr Thokweng requested a second senior secondary school for the village, saying Swaneng Hill School was overwhelmed, resulting in learners from its catchment area having to find places far from their homes.

He accused contractors tasked with Sekgoma Memorial Hospital maintenance of doing shoddy work.

He however thanked government for refurbishment of the old hospital which now operated as a clinic.

Mr Thokweng requested government to consider turning the clinic into a 24-hour facility so as to ease congestion at the main hospital.

He also thanked government for the ongoing refurbishment of the Serowe-Palapye road.

Mr Thokweng said with the road having been in a bad state for years, its refurbishment would help enhance travel between the two villages and in the process also contribute to a reduction in the number of road accidents.

Bangwato regent, Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane had earlier expressed the same sentiments about Serowe-Palapye road saying it was a welcome a development.Ends