The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Hon. Gladys T. K. Kokorwe, MP. on the Occasion of the Launch of the Biography of William Charles Willoughby

source: Republic of Botswana (21/9/09) TAUTONA TIMES no 24 of 2009
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Hon. Gladys T. K. Kokorwe, MP. on the Occasion of the Launch of the Biography of William Charles Willoughby


B5) 1/9/09: REMARKS BY THE MINISTER OF YOUTH, SPORT AND CULTURE, HONOURABLE GLADYS T. K. KOKORWE, MP. ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCH OF THE BIOGRAPHY OF WILLIAM CHARLES WILLOUGHBY,TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2009 @ THE BOTSWANA NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICES

[Salutations]...Ladies and gentlemen, Good day.

1. Eleven months ago, I officially launched the private archives of the National Archives and Records Services. Those who were here will recall that one of the key moments was the display of the photograph albums of the Rev. William C. Willoughby. You will also realise that on the walls around us today, are displayed, as they were last year, many of the Willoughby photographs and information about their historical importance.

2. On that occasion, we expressed our thanks to the family of W.C. Willoughby for placing these valuable records in our hands. I still want to express our gratitude to Prof. Parsons for linking us, the National Archives Services with the Willoughby family.

3. Distinguished guests, we sincerely thank Rev. Dr. John Rutherford, who unfortunately could not be here with us today, for the splendid biography of the Rev. Willoughby. This biography, together with the photograph albums now with the Botswana National Archives and Records Services give us great insight into the history of this country at an important stage in its development.

4. Willoughby played an important role in helping the three chiefs in their effort to defend the independence of Botswana and, as an educator, in establishing the Tiger Kloof Institution. As these photographs and Dr Rutherford's biography show, W.C. Willoughby was also a keen observer of persons and events. Therefore, he has left us a valuable record that others can use to understand and interpret our history.

5. In order to bring Dr. Rutherford's biography into print, many people have been involved, and they are to be commended for producing this very attractive, and very readable account, of the 'Little Giant' of the London Missionary Society.

6. Distinguished guests, Botswana National Archives and Record Services is a heritage institution that focuses on ensuring that the documentary heritage of this country is collected and most importantly, availed to the public and government institutions. This is done for purposes of proper planning and effective resource allocation which in turn contribute to the economic development of this nation. Information is a strategic resource for economic development, and the important role that Botswana National Archives and Record Services play in safeguarding information and knowledge of this country cannot be over emphasized.

7. I commend the Botswana Society and Mmegi Publishing House for their important contribution in bringing the Willoughby biography into print and for their close cooperation with the Botswana National Archives and Records Services. This joint responsibility enhances our national vision which is to be "an Educated and Informed Nation."

8. I also thank the alumni of the University of Botswana Development Trust for contributing so generously towards the cost of publishing this biography.

9. Ladies and gentlemen, I encourage all of you to regard this day as one which testifies to the benefits of cooperation, rewards of dedication to research and understanding, and to the blessings we receive from the efforts of scholars, publishers, and archivists, most especially when they work together.

10. In conclusion, it is my pleasure to declare the biography of William Charles Willoughby officially launched. I thank you and may God bless you all.