source: Republic of Botswana TAUTONA TIMES of 15/8/2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"
B1) 13/8/10: SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT, LT. GEN. SERETSE KHAMA IAN KHAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA ON THE OCCASION OF THE ANNUAL DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION, GABORONE
[Salutations]...Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good Morning
1. It is a personal pleasure for me to be with you, our international friends and partners. In particular, let me thank the non-resident envoys who have been able to join us today.
2. This is the first such diplomatic occasion that I have hosted, but I can assure you it shall not be my last as this event is an opportunity to acknowledge the goodwill and support my country continues to receive from the international community.
3. This occasion also allows us all to take stock of the shared events that have shaped our common destiny over the past twelve months. As advances in communications technology and market integration shrink the boundaries that exist between us, the concept of the "global village" has evolved from what was once an idealistic metaphor to an increasingly apt description of our interdependent reality.
4. Nowadays, we are all increasingly united by both positive and negative events. The ecstasy of the recent World Cup is thus balanced against the agony of the terrible earthquakes and floods that have affected other countries. While we watch the dreadful toll of natural disasters around the world, we are also united by such things as our appreciation of the wonders of nature. A little while ago, I was impressed to learn that, through the internet, people across the globe were observing the daily wildlife activities of a certain spot in the Okavango.
5. Let me take this opportunity to especially congratulate the Government and the people of South Africa for their hosting of this year's FIFA World Cup. Let me further pay tribute to the teams from the four corners of the globe who kept us enthralled with their sportsmanship.
6. It is appropriate that I take advantage of this event to share with you some of the developments that have been taking place in this country. Like most of your nations, Botswana is now emerging from the effects of the global recession, which for us was especially negative due to its severe impact on our minerals sector, more especially our chief revenue earner - diamonds. Here, I am pleased to confirm that our economy is now showing signs of recovery.
7. Given the need to stimulate and sustain economic growth by expanding the non-mining sector, Government took a deliberate decision to allow key infrastructure projects to go ahead during the recession. We further intervened to minimise retrenchments, while providing monthly employment on public works for those most in need. While these strategies have been largely successful they required us to engage in deficit spending, which has been financed through preferential borrowing and a draw down on our foreign reserves.
8. In this respect let me thank the many of you here who assisted us in obtaining low interest loans, as well as other forms of support during this trying time, notwithstanding the fact that your own countries were also in economic distress.
9. While coping with the effects of the economic downturn, my Government has remained committed to realising our overarching goal of transforming Botswana into a higher income economy, which is capable of providing for the wellbeing of all our citizens. Here our challenge is to continue to promote growth in the non-minerals sector.
10. To achieve this we have committed ourselves to the "Botswana Excellence Strategy for Economic Diversification and Sustainable Growth". A key component of the strategy is the identification of specific economic growth areas, which can serve as opportunity magnets for external investment. We have thus grouped major development projects into six Hubs. These are:
* A Diamond Hub to facilitate beneficiation and support services, while promoting Botswana as one of the world's major diamond trading centres;
* A Transport Hub to expand and promote synergy in the air, road and rail sectors. Ongoing and planned initiatives falling under this Hub thus include the Kazungula Bridge, the Dry Port at Walvis Bay, expanded railway links and the refurbishment of our major airports, in line with the pursuit of an Open Skies policy to attract international carriers;
* An Agricultural Hub to serve as a catalyst for the greater commercialisation and diversification of the sector, as well as to improve food security;
* A Health Hub to identify projects that will make Botswana a centre of excellence in the provision of healthcare services through the outsourcing of selected services to improve efficiency, while leveraging private sector capacity and establishing clinical centres of excellence to cater to foreign as well as local patients;
* An Education Hub to enable Botswana to have a competitive edge both regionally and globally through the promotion of education, training and academic research; and
* An Innovation Hub, which will serve as a commercial nexus for applied research by catering for ICT and Research and Development companies.
11. Your Excellencies, I take this opportunity to urge your fellow countrymen to take a closer look at how they can take advantage and profit from these and other avenues of investment, such as Botswana's lucrative tourism sector. In this respect existing and potential foreign investors can be assured of this Government's steadfast commitment to an open society with an open economy in which all who can make a positive contribution are encouraged to do so.
12. While moving forward with our economic strategy, we are also redoubling our efforts to overcome our most pressing social challenges, which include the eradication of poverty, and achieving the social indices of our Millennium Development Goals. This, of course, includes overcoming the daunting challenge of HIV/AIDS. In this area we remain especially grateful for the generous outside assistance we continue to receive.
13. Our country's leading position in the most recent Global Peace Index is a reflection of this nation's underlying political stability, which is rooted not so much in the transitory allegiances of individual politicians as in the democratic values of the people they are elected to serve. In this respect we shall forever uphold our status as a Government of, by and for the people.
14. As both a member and the host of SADC, Botswana remains committed to regional integration and development as well as the promotion of peace and security. In the process we shall continue to collaborate with our region in promoting our common interests.
15. It is because, not despite of, our commitment to SADC institutions and precedents that we follow with interest developments in neighbouring states. Furthermore, as a country that binds itself to SADC values and aspirations, we condemn unconstitutional means of assuming power. We, therefore, support the suspension of the current regime in Madagascar and look forward to the day when its people will once more have the opportunity to determine their own destiny through the ballot.
16. We also continue to observe, the unfolding of events in Zimbabwe, since the signing of the Global Political Agreement. It is our hope that the ongoing engagement on constitutional reforms will open the door to a new chapter in that country's future.
17. We know that for Africa as a whole to achieve economic development, it needs transparency, accountability and respect for human rights. We therefore value the continued support that the international community provides to the African Union institutions that are working to establish regional standards for good governance.
18. In conclusion, I wish to once more express my profound gratitude and appreciation, to your respective Governments and Organisations for the valuable support and assistance which they have and continue to generously extend to Botswana. PULA!!!
Friday, August 27, 2010
H.E. the President, Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama at the Botswana Democratic Party Leadership Forum/Pitso, Gaborone
source: Republic of Botswana TAUTONA TIMES of 15/8/2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"
B2) 14/8/10: REMARKS BY H.E. THE PRESIDENT, LT. GEN. SERETSE KHAMA IAN KHAMA AT THE BOTSWANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY LEADERSHIP FORUM/PITS0, GABORONE: "DEFENDING OUR DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND CONSOLIDATING OUR GAINS TOWARDS 2014'
1. We gather today to take time to introspect, to reflect, to look back at our success and achievements and the challenges in our party. This is not the time for recriminations, finger pointing, posturing and political bashing of colleagues. As I have said we must rise above things that divide us or that put us in collision with each other. This takes resolve and determination and calls on all of us to draw from the positive side of our character and the goodwill within us.
2. We must do all these against the backdrop of opposition politics of Botswana, the intent of unity by opposition parties and their intention to dislodge the BDP from Government. To combat the opposition, we need to engage our collective thoughts in a cohesive manner. It its over 45 years history, the BDP has never lacked creativity. It is that creativity that has sustained us; it is that creativity that I call upon from all of us in unison to take head-on as we face challenges of our time. Today I call upon all of you democrats to stake our resilience, our resolve and our determination to serve the party and the nation in our hearts and minds. We need this so we build on the strength and goodwill of our people for now and for posterity.
3. Fellow Democrats, I preface my speech, with these words so that as you listen to me, you should know where I am coming from. I want to make it abundantly clear that this Pitso is going to be different than any we have held in the past, in its format and how we intend to execute its outcomes. First while, it is critical that, we must vent our concerns, we must be very honest with our contributions. Deliberations, contributions, criticisms are welcome. However, these must not be an end in themselves, they must pave way for solutions to challenges we face in taking the party to victory in 2014 and beyond. Let me now come to one of the reasons why we are all gathered here today. Firstly, as you all know, the party has different structures which are defined by the constitution. These structures have defined roles, among others they are to grow and defend the party. We have structures only in name. This has been confirmed by other reports and more telling the structures were there not to serve the party. We must address these concerns. The party is why we are all here. Why are these people, manning different structures abdicating their responsibilities? We need answers. From my point of view, to do nothing cannot be an option. However, most of our structures are in intensive care. Do you remember who said that? Today we will discuss and I hope recommend how to revive them.
4. Secondly, some of the issues that continue to bedevil us are the factions. These have reached unhealthy levels, despite our repeated resolutions at different forums noting that we need to stop them. It is clear that some amongst us are getting value out of these factions, what they benefit I do not know, by continuing to keep them alive to the point of institutionalizing them, we are actually destroying our party. The party elective committees in particular, the Central Committee positions, polarized us. The campaign for these positions was vicious to say the least and there was a lot of misinformation. In particular as the party leader I was accused of many things and my name was used in vain across the factional divide. We did not go to elections as a united party, de-campaigning each other, even supporting the opposition in some cases. This information has been brought forward by fellow democrats during the Elections and Post election review by the party which confirmed these views. This is not acceptable at all. We cannot afford to have Judases amongst us. Here we need your input on how to contain them.
5. Thirdly, we also are seeing lack of collective spirit within the party and a rise of individualism. Where we must see ourselves, as brought together, by a shared vision, purpose, with a mission to serve Batswana, some think they come first before the party.
6. Bulela Ditswe is also raised as a major issue, which has caused a rift in the party. I hold a different view. Bulela Ditswe as a system, while it needs improvement, did not cause mekoko. It is democrats, and how we handle Bulela Ditswe that causes Mekoko. Our failure to accept defeat and our intolerance to defeat and our putting our interest above party interest. This requires a change in our mind sets to do things in a transparent way, above factional divide and putting the party first. And then there is the issue of fundraising. We can only be active and visible if we have funds. We need new ideas on how to improve our fundraising and visibility all over the country.
7. I have spoken about the issues we are to discuss so that as you make your contributions you have a comprehensive menu before you. We must not concentrate on what should have been, but what we must do to revive our party, to have fun in being a democrat in our party and restore the faith of Batswana so that, we offer them more than any political party in this country.
8. As we plan for a 2014 victory, let's not lose focus and remember we have a contract with Batswana and we must deliver on our promises. If we do, we shall find favour with all Batswana.
9. We have a team which will facilitate this Pitso. I urge you to give them support. It is my fervent wish that we shall together find solutions to our challenges and help the party prepare for a victory in 2014. TSHOLETSA!!! TSHOLETSA!!! TSHOLETSA!!!
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"
B2) 14/8/10: REMARKS BY H.E. THE PRESIDENT, LT. GEN. SERETSE KHAMA IAN KHAMA AT THE BOTSWANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY LEADERSHIP FORUM/PITS0, GABORONE: "DEFENDING OUR DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND CONSOLIDATING OUR GAINS TOWARDS 2014'
1. We gather today to take time to introspect, to reflect, to look back at our success and achievements and the challenges in our party. This is not the time for recriminations, finger pointing, posturing and political bashing of colleagues. As I have said we must rise above things that divide us or that put us in collision with each other. This takes resolve and determination and calls on all of us to draw from the positive side of our character and the goodwill within us.
2. We must do all these against the backdrop of opposition politics of Botswana, the intent of unity by opposition parties and their intention to dislodge the BDP from Government. To combat the opposition, we need to engage our collective thoughts in a cohesive manner. It its over 45 years history, the BDP has never lacked creativity. It is that creativity that has sustained us; it is that creativity that I call upon from all of us in unison to take head-on as we face challenges of our time. Today I call upon all of you democrats to stake our resilience, our resolve and our determination to serve the party and the nation in our hearts and minds. We need this so we build on the strength and goodwill of our people for now and for posterity.
3. Fellow Democrats, I preface my speech, with these words so that as you listen to me, you should know where I am coming from. I want to make it abundantly clear that this Pitso is going to be different than any we have held in the past, in its format and how we intend to execute its outcomes. First while, it is critical that, we must vent our concerns, we must be very honest with our contributions. Deliberations, contributions, criticisms are welcome. However, these must not be an end in themselves, they must pave way for solutions to challenges we face in taking the party to victory in 2014 and beyond. Let me now come to one of the reasons why we are all gathered here today. Firstly, as you all know, the party has different structures which are defined by the constitution. These structures have defined roles, among others they are to grow and defend the party. We have structures only in name. This has been confirmed by other reports and more telling the structures were there not to serve the party. We must address these concerns. The party is why we are all here. Why are these people, manning different structures abdicating their responsibilities? We need answers. From my point of view, to do nothing cannot be an option. However, most of our structures are in intensive care. Do you remember who said that? Today we will discuss and I hope recommend how to revive them.
4. Secondly, some of the issues that continue to bedevil us are the factions. These have reached unhealthy levels, despite our repeated resolutions at different forums noting that we need to stop them. It is clear that some amongst us are getting value out of these factions, what they benefit I do not know, by continuing to keep them alive to the point of institutionalizing them, we are actually destroying our party. The party elective committees in particular, the Central Committee positions, polarized us. The campaign for these positions was vicious to say the least and there was a lot of misinformation. In particular as the party leader I was accused of many things and my name was used in vain across the factional divide. We did not go to elections as a united party, de-campaigning each other, even supporting the opposition in some cases. This information has been brought forward by fellow democrats during the Elections and Post election review by the party which confirmed these views. This is not acceptable at all. We cannot afford to have Judases amongst us. Here we need your input on how to contain them.
5. Thirdly, we also are seeing lack of collective spirit within the party and a rise of individualism. Where we must see ourselves, as brought together, by a shared vision, purpose, with a mission to serve Batswana, some think they come first before the party.
6. Bulela Ditswe is also raised as a major issue, which has caused a rift in the party. I hold a different view. Bulela Ditswe as a system, while it needs improvement, did not cause mekoko. It is democrats, and how we handle Bulela Ditswe that causes Mekoko. Our failure to accept defeat and our intolerance to defeat and our putting our interest above party interest. This requires a change in our mind sets to do things in a transparent way, above factional divide and putting the party first. And then there is the issue of fundraising. We can only be active and visible if we have funds. We need new ideas on how to improve our fundraising and visibility all over the country.
7. I have spoken about the issues we are to discuss so that as you make your contributions you have a comprehensive menu before you. We must not concentrate on what should have been, but what we must do to revive our party, to have fun in being a democrat in our party and restore the faith of Batswana so that, we offer them more than any political party in this country.
8. As we plan for a 2014 victory, let's not lose focus and remember we have a contract with Batswana and we must deliver on our promises. If we do, we shall find favour with all Batswana.
9. We have a team which will facilitate this Pitso. I urge you to give them support. It is my fervent wish that we shall together find solutions to our challenges and help the party prepare for a victory in 2014. TSHOLETSA!!! TSHOLETSA!!! TSHOLETSA!!!
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