11 Aug 2026

Protocol took a back seat on Friday morning when Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe left his official schedule for an unannounced visit to Gaborone West Junior Secondary School, turning the regular assembly into a motivation session for stunned learners.

The school day began as usual. The siren sounded, feet hit the ground, and students in maroon, grey and white flooded the concrete assembly area with backpacks bouncing on their backs. Teachers in olive green blazers moved learners into rigid, uniform rows under the watchful eyes of school management.

The mood shifted instantly at the sight of the Vice President’s motorcade. Teachers froze mid-sentence and gave quiet signals for silence. Four security agents moved to the front of the stage, scanning the area before ushering Mr Gaolathe to the podium. Students craned their necks to catch a glimpse past the dark suits.

The formality broke when Form 3 learner Atang Letlole led the assembly in the choral hymn Tsamaisa Mmoloki. Her clear voice turned the assembly into what the VP later called ‘a majestic, melodic and deeply moving atmosphere.’

Mr Gaolathe stood, commended the learners, and said he had come for a ‘humble check-in to connect with my people.’

He shared a personal story of his own secondary school years and urged learners to focus on small, consistent choices over big titles.

“I was once exactly where you are, your age, just like you, doing my secondary school but having an intense desire to excel in my school work, inspired by my uncle who was studying abroad. I had a strong vision and knew where I was going,” he said.

“You do not need to change the world today, rather take your time to dream, chase it and most importantly be kind to one another. Try your best in every assignment, then the next until you eventually graduate. Your worth is your heart, your effort and your choice to try again tomorrow. You matter, your future matters for a better Botswana tomorrow,” the Vice President said.

He also highlighted the role of teachers, leading students in a chant of appreciation for their ‘selfless’ work as custodians of their academic journey. The visit ended with a donation of books to the school.

“No act is too small to make a change and these books come at a much needed time when we have begun preparing our strategy for the final JC exams,” said School Head Mr Moreetsi Tautsagae.

He thanked the VP for reaching out to the grassroots, describing it as ‘a self-less, humble act of a leader who is truly inspirational, transformative and intentional.’

As Atang’s voice filled the air once more to close proceedings, and the motorcade pulled away, students were left with what many described as a surge of emotion, proof for one morning, that power can pause for them. ENDS