16 Oct 2022

Cabinet ministers and accounting officers have been told to refocus on transforming citizens’ lives and being people-centric.

Closing last week’s cabinet/accounting officers retreat in Mmamashia on Friday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said people should be given information on government programmes, projects and policies timeously and be facilitated to utilise them.

“I want to run a government that is helpful, customer-friendly, polite, passionate, focused and identifiable by its unique and enviable attributes,” he said.

President Masisi also urged the retreat attendants to promote value chains and facilitate trade in order to create an export-led economy.

He gave the example of the Selebi Phikwe citrus project, explaining that the land was leased from the Mmadinare Multipurpose Cooperative Society. 

Dr Masisi described the lease as a living example of collaboration and a success story.

“For the citrus project to put in a capital outlay of about P300 million on tribal land should be a lesson to other cooperatives around the country," said President Masisi.

He revealed that the Mmadinare cooperative was the richest in the country.

President Masisi noted that the cooperative would also benefit from the citrus investment value chain such as fruit juice processing.

He urged the retreat attendants to replicate the model in other sectors of the economy.

“Facilitation through land boards, water services, electricity provision, road networks and any other technical service provided by government should be aligned to the bigger picture,” he said.

President Masisi said the recent land reforms were meant to empower Batswana citing the land title registration which he said would unlock opportunities for land owners.

On education, President Masisi said Botswana needed to produce skilled people for future jobs.

He stressed the importance of increasing the country's revenue streams saying Batswana should be facilitated to meet domestic demand for vegetables and milk.

“We should be able to sell to those who have been selling to us. It is now our time to sell to others and earn their money," he said.

On international issues, he said Botswana should offer its expertise and unique value propositions to the world. 

The country's commitment to peace and coexistence should be exported to the world, he said adding that the foreign affairs ministry should continue striving to attract unique partners such as those in the vaccine manufacturing industry.

Declaring the three-day retreat a success, the President said participants bonded and openly shared the challenges that each ministry faced.

“I feel proud to be part of such a dedicated and sterling team,” he said.

The retreat was held under the theme: Mindset change to drive implementation excellence. ends