09 Mar 2025

Acting President, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe says the new government is committed to revitalising the economy despite the challenging economic situation. 

Addressing residents of Masunga and surrounding villages at a kgotla meeting recently, Mr Gaolathe acknowledged the country’s financial struggles, but promised Batswana that the country would be reshaped to become a top-performing economy under the new administration.

He said that would be achieved through a paradigm shift focused on unity, fairness, and prosperity.

To achieve this goal, Mr Gaolathe outlined a series of projects, including mega water and railway infrastructure projects, as well as investments in the energy sector.

He specifically highlighted the near-collapse of the Botswana Meat Commission and pledged its revival, as well as plans to bolster the Botswana Vaccine Institute to expand international markets and create jobs.

Further reforms, he said, included changing the Botswana Power Corporation monopoly structure to distribute work to various companies, thereby creating more employment opportunities.

He explained that government aimed to generate 8 000 megawatts of electricity annually, prioritising solar energy to the point of potential export to neighbouring countries.

The acting President said digitalisation initiatives were also being planned to ensure efficiency and timely service delivery.

Crucially, Mr Gaolathe emphasised the need for a more empowered civil service and said ‘this can only be achieved by enhancing capacity at the Botswana Public Service College to upgrade the skills and professionalism of public servants, ensuring quality service delivery.’

On other issues, Mr Gaolathe asserted that people living with disabilities were capable members of the society,and urged all people living with disability not to undermine themselves. 

He emphasised  government committed to inclusivity, ensuring that people with disability were integrated into society.

Mr Gaolathe also stressed the importance of vocational training, highlighting its practical and global recognised value.

He stated that the new government planned to revitalise vocational training programmes  and bring them to international standards.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Thabo Maruje III of Masunga congratulated the newly elected UDC government on their victory, wishing them success in their five-year term.

He also extended congratulations to the opposition and the outgoing government for their service to the nation over the past 58 years.

Acknowledging the spirit of unity shown by the new administration, Kgosi Maruje III voiced concern over a perceived spirit of abuse within government institutions.

He appealed to the government to prioritise the allocation of the recently acquired 45 000 hectares of land for the benefit of the people of the North East, citing their acute shortage of land for grazing and arable farming.

Kgosi Maruje III also suggested a maximum land allocation of eight hectares per individual, arguing that the acquired land marks the beginning of a special economic zone.
He urged the new government to work collaboratively with all sectors of leadership to help elevate the nation and commended the peaceful transition of power as a demonstration of Botswana’s democratic values globally.

However, he advocated for nurturing democracy at the grassroots level to cultivate a more comprehensive leadership base.

Furthermore, Kgosi Maruje III called for strengthening the Industrial Court system, noting the increasing caseload.

He also expressed concern over the challenges faced by the Department of Tribal Administration, highlighting its historical significance as one of the first government institutions and its seemingly overlooked need for support. ENDS