The Voice (Francistown)
8 April 2008
Gaborone — President Ian Khama has vowed to lift the country to the next level of development, while following in the footsteps of his predecessors.
We cannot stand still - we must improve further on our past gains. With the support of the nation I will do my best to lift Botswana to the next level of development, he said in his inaugural speech, yesterday.
Stating that his style will be different as no two persons are the same, the president said: I am determined to build upon the solid foundation that has already been laid since independence by my predecessors.
His administration, he said, had a clear vision of Botswanas future, adding that achieving that objective would require focus and a single-minded pursuit of goals and objectives.
President Khama identified challenges facing the country as job creation and poverty alleviation, programmes for the youth, health, housing and the fight against crime, among others.
To that end, he said, his administration would be guided by the principles of the four Ds:democracy, development, dignity and discipline.
I am a democrat. I have always believed in democratic ideals, and joined the military to defend this democracy. I consider myself an integral part of this system of governance that has become entrenched in the life of Batswana.
His administration would manifest itself through the continued provision of national infrastructure, while at the same time encouraging Batswana to fully develop their talents so as to live dignified lives.
Anything in life that brings you suffering affects your dignity as a person and we shall seek to address and overcome some of these challenges.
President Khama also stressed the importance of discipline, noting that nothing could be achieved successfully without discipline in any society.
To ensure adherence to the road map, the president said a special committee of cabinet headed by the vice president would be set up to make monthly reports on progress made on various initiatives, including economic issues and employment.
He vowed to phase out any excessive or counter-productive bureaucracy within both the central and local government.
We must become optimally efficient, transparent, motivated and disciplined. Within government I will continue to attach importance to team work, accountability, effective co-ordination and providing staff with clear objectives and targets.
He said nothing would come of the national vision unless the follow-through was swift and single minded. Batswana were urged to support the new administration as no one could achieve anything on his or her own.
This is our country, the only country we have. Botswana can achieve greater success only if we show a collective will and when we all participate fully in her affairs.
Therefore, whatever, we do or whatever we say must be done and said in the best interests of this country.BOPA
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