04 Nov 2025

Kgalagadi North MP, Mr Reason Lekutlane has urged the Ministry for International Relations to consider appointing people from marginalised tribes for Ambassador and High Commissioner roles.

He said certain tribes were usually side-lined when it comes to decision making roles, despite holding relevant qualifications.

“I urge the minister to make history and appoint Basarwa and Bakgalagadi on these positions because we have people who are qualified. This will not only involve our tribes in decision making positions but will also motivate our children to aim to be competitive like the rest of Batswana,” he said.

The MP said children from marginalised tribes were reluctant to pursue higher education since they did not have role models in high positions of power.

He aired his sentiments in Parliament on Monday contributing to the debate on the Public Investment Programme(PIP), in which the Minister for International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale indicated that his ministry had expanded diplomatic missions to six new locations of Ankara, Doha, Lilongwe, Moscow, Muscat as well as establishing a Consulate General in Dubai.

For his part, MP for Boteti East, Mr Keoagile Atamelang appreciated the role played by diplomacy in attracting investments and opening new markets for the country.

He underscored the need for all stakeholders, including the private sector to be patriotic and join hands in building this sector for Botswana.

“Diplomacy must be economic, inclusive and visionary. The new African journey is the journey of knowledge, technology and trust, so every mission abroad should open markets, attract investments and create opportunities for our people,” he said.

Subsequently, he implored relevant authorities to ensure that proposed infrastructure developments aimed at enhancing trade between countries were effectively implemented.

Mr Atamelang said projects such as the Trans-Kalahari Railway line and expansion of A1 Highway into dual carriage were some of the key projects that gave hope and enhanced diplomacy between Botswana and neighbouring countries.

He said establishing an additional six missions in various locations indicated the government’s commitment to transforming the country.

Mr Atamelang said legislators should appreciate the need to have capital investment in order to leave a sustainable legacy for future generations.

“We cannot achieve those infrastructure projects if there is no capital investment, so for us to get there we have to be very diplomatic,” he noted.

Responding to the debates, the acting Minister for International Relations, Ms Maipelo Mophuting said while she acknowledged the need to ensure equal opportunity for all Batswana, the appointment of Ambassadors and High Commissioners was based on merit and competence.

“It is important to note that merit and competence are generally the overriding considerations,” she said.

Additionally, she said establishing diplomatic relations with other countries was guided by Botswana’s principles which included democracy, development, respect for the rule of law and human rights, among other factors.

She further noted that Botswana aligned its diplomatic relations with the continually shifting geopolitical landscape. ENDS