18 Mar 2014

Ms Abigail Engleton was recently sworn in as the 2014 president of Junior Chamber International (JCI).

Together with her new board, Ms Engleton was sworn in by former president, Mr Bikie Mampane who led the organisation in 2013. The new executive was sworn-in at the JCI presidential induction held in Tsabong recently.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Mampane congratulated Ms Engleton for accepting the immense responsibility of leading JCI, especially since she was a woman. “We are grateful for your contribution to the future of this country,” he said.

For her part, Ms Engleton said JCI inspired her and gave her confidence to become a leader. She promised to lead the organisation to greater heights by working together with the new board to further the JCI mandate of moulding better leaders, better citizens and better societies.

She added that as JCI, they valued their responsibility of contributing positively to community development. Ms Mampane explained that JCI Tsabong was among five other chapters in Botswana namely Jwaneng, Kanye, Gaborone, Palapye and Francistown.

“All of these youth are part of the worldwide community of young active citizens aged 18-40 years who share the belief that it is possible to improve the world,” she said.

She thanked members of JCI Tsabong for having faith in her and giving her a mandate to lead the organisation and promised to live up to the high standards set by her predecessor.

For his part Kgalagadi District Council chairmperson, Mr Frans Van Westhuizen commended JCI for their valuable contribution to the Tsabong community. He thanked them for their passion and for having the courage to address critical challenges of our time.

“The formation of JCI was truly a milestone achievement for the Kgalagadi district. I am pleased to learn that you have been engaging youth in Tsabong on social development and working with Tsabong Primary School and Kgomotso Counselling Centre,’’ he said.

Mr Van Westhuizen encouraged JCI to continue driving millennium development goals and encouraged them to keep up the efforts and energy they invest into making the world a better place. Ends