06 Oct 2022

Ministry of Justice and Security permanent secretary, Mr Gaimelwe Goitsemang has been appointed the UN’s Joint Inspection Unit inspector.

He assumes the position, which is tenable in Geneva, Switzerland, in January on a five-year term.

The unit is the UN system’s only independent external oversight body mandated to conduct evaluations, inspections and investigations.

 It works to secure management and administrative efficiency and to promote greater coordination between UN agencies as well as with other internal and external oversight bodies.  

  Its mandate is to look at cross-cutting issues and to act as an agent for change across the UN system. It has 28 participating organisations. 

In a meeting with Mr Goitsemang yesterday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi commended him on his appointment and advised him to stay focused as he assumed the new role.

  He also encouraged him to be a great representative of Botswana.

 President Masisi said the appointment would expand Botswana’s foreign policy and  cement the value of the country’s public service.

Commenting, Mr Goitsemang expressed gratitude for the support and  opportunity he had been afforded not only by government but by President Masisi himself. 

He explained that because of his vast experience in diplomatic practice, management and leadership acquired through uninterrupted service in various capacities, he was nominated to compete for the post after several openings were shared with Botswana government. 

Mr Goitsemang’s public service career spans 27 years, 25 of them in the diplomatic service in different capacities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He has also served in the Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development as permanent secretary in April this year.

Following the rationalisation of government portfolio responsibilities, Mr Goitsemang was transferred to the new Ministry of Justice and Security as pioneer permanent secretary.

Some of the special assignments he has undertaken include setting up of the Botswana High Commission in Lagos, Nigeria and the Botswana Embassy in Kuwait City, Kuwait as well as establishment of the justice and security ministry.

In joining the UN system, Mr Goitsemang follows in the footsteps of other Batswana including Professor Sheila Tlou, former UNAIDS regional director and Dr Matshediso Moeti, currently WHO director, regional office for Africa. Ends