04 Apr 2019

On April 1, 2018 President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi rode to office on the back of heartwarming slogans: #GoMasisi, Sisiboy and driver of the nation, a metaphor of his name Mokgweetsi, promising that his government would be different.

To commemorate his 365 days in office, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) members recently honoured him with a memo book called: Renewed Hope, Botswana under Masisi. 

The book captures the first 365 days of his presidency, the early days of which inspired the compilation of the book, which also captures achievements thus far.

Receiving the book, Dr Masisi said he was delighted that his work was noticeable, adding that he wished he could be given a fresh mandate to lead the country, and that he hoped he would earn the trust of Batswana.

“Upon assuming office, his selling point was change. Not simple change,” he said, “but superlative change.” 

He promised transformation of the economy from resource-based to knowledge based.

This saw him striking partnerships with pundits from high profile universities around the world, such as USA-based Rutgers University.

Within the first 100 days, he opened a new chapter and held a press conference where he promised to end the information drought as he believed that the media enhanced democracy. During that historic briefing, he also articulated his roadmap.

The book notes that President Masisi opened his arms to different media houses, and has kept the promise to keep them close to events of the presidency, which were also of national interest.

The book also captures the President’s track record in participating in the international community in the first few days in office. 

In his short time in office he has traversed the universe, having been to China, United Kingdom, USA, Switzerland and countries in the SADC regional block and attended African Union (AU) and United Nations summits.

The book also writes about his attachment to family values, which inspired his colleagues in politics to believe in solid family foundations.

He has also paid courtesy calls on the founding leaders of the BDP and offered condolences to some bereaved families. 

The book also acknowledges his promise to fight corruption in all its manifestations, which was articulated in his inauguration speech. 

So far, Botswana has hosted the conference of member countries of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in June last year and this year. 

President Masisi proceeded to sign a memorandum of understanding with the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), making Botswana the 38^th country to become a member of the self-monitoring mechanism that encourages conformity with political, economic and corporate governance values among member states. 

The 59-page book is authored by members of the BDP’s strategy team; Dr Batlang Serema, Dr Alfred Tsheboeng and Mr Ame Makoba.

It was published in April and would soon be available in book shops. Ends