21 April 2008
document
Ian Khama's abridged inauguration speech
A change of leadership does not mean radical changes in the way we have been setting out our objectives as agreed upon by the ruling party and government for this nation.
Our party has a manifesto that I signed on to and the government has a national development plan that I am also a party to.
However, in the course of the incoming administration you may detect a change in style and special emphasis on a number of issues. This should not cause any alarm or uncertainty. After all, changes should be seen in the context that no two people are the same. However the overall objectives remain the same and not least because we, Rre Mogae and I, have been working together for quite some years to achieve them.
Leadership changes can be a time of unease. I can only allay any disquiet by once more evoking President Mogae's words in his State of the Nation Address and I quote "Let us therefore face the future with confidence and determination: determination to lift our nation to greater heights, and determination to use our current achievements as stepping-stones towards prosperity and greater success" end Quote. I certainly intend to carry out my duties within the spirit and intent of those words.
We have a clear vision of what we want Botswana's future to be. The successful implementation of our economic diversification policies and all this implies, will require focussed and a single-minded pursuit of our goals and objectives. I am confident that with the right leadership at all levels and the appropriate mindset, we can, together, secure that success. But we also face new challenges such as environmental protection, and changing social values, brought about by rapid urbanisation.
The external perceptions about Botswana have also changed: Botswana is no longer seen as the only beacon of success in Africa. A growing number of countries on our continent have become stable, democratic and increasingly attractive for investors, tourists and like spirited people.
These are some of the issues I am mindful of as I take the oath of office. Hence my roadmap for the nation will be underpinned and characterized by the principles of Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline. That they all start with the letter D is purely by coincidence.
The first D, Democracy, has served our country and its people well. It is an important cornerstone of good governance and prudent economic management. Only democracy guarantees human rights, the rule of law, accountability and basic freedoms that we have enjoyed over the years. Yet again it is President Mogae who said, "we are a country with a rich democratic political tradition and something positive to demonstrate and contribute to the rest of the world" end of quote.
All the success we have registered is on account of our adherence to democratic ideals. Nothing should be allowed to detract us from this path. There is no substitute for it. I believe that Batswana recognise that only democracy can create the most favourable conditions to ensure that our aspirations can be fulfilled.
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.
The second D, Development, refers to improving the standard of living of Batswana. This will manifest itself through the continued provision of national infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, electricity, schools, stadia and other life affirming opportunities, most importantly jobs. For this to happen, we have to create an enabling environment for the private sector, and to actively encourage it to become the driving force of and the main investor in our economy. Government cannot alone bring about change. I also expect the private sector to do much more in support of the change process, especially in areas such as innovation, staff training and skills development.
We need to change the mindset among Batswana by encouraging and helping them to fully develop their talents, and through stimulating creativity and hard work, so they can contribute to the economic development of our country. This must include a change in the way in which we see ourselves relative to non-Batswana stakeholders in different spheres of life, and the absolute need to embrace the realities of the internationalisation and globalisation processes.
It will also demand an acceptance that Government's empowerment policies will increasingly be based on ability, effective delivery, wealth creation and capacity building through skill development and hard work, rather than on entitlement.
With reference to the third D, Dignity, no one should need to live an undignified life as a result of poor shelter or health and abuse in a domestic environment. 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.
Living in dignity must go hand in hand with being treated with dignity. In this regard I call upon all of us, politicians, the public service, and the private sector to ensure that our interaction with the public must at all times be underpinned by dignity. Botho is an integral part of our culture. Every citizen must (especially the political leadership) strive to maintain our culture of modesty and avoid extravagance at all costs.
Last, but not least the fourth D, is the principle of Discipline. Nothing can be achieved successfully without discipline in any society.
May I quote President Mogae again when he said, "As I prepare to leave office, let me ask that we take a firm stand against all the negative tendencies that are creeping into our society and defacing our image." end quote. Allow me to highlight some of the social problems in our society that we need to address as a nation.
These range from alcohol abuse, reckless driving on our roads, disrespect for elders, vandalising of school property, wastage of scarce resources such as water, the use of abusive language in public discourse and defamation, slander and false statements in the media. The examples I have cited reflect a lack of discipline by some sections of our community.
19 Batswana must be reminded that in a democracy, the rights and freedoms of one individual end where those of other citizens begin. Freedoms go hand in hand with responsibility. The 4 D's, I believe will help guide us towards our National Vision 2016. As Batswana we have formulated a clear roadmap of our future. We can only realise this noble vision through focussed actions, by government, business and citizenry.
Two major strategies have recently been developed to help realise Vision 2016. They are the Business Economic Advisory Council's Economic Strategy designed to drive our country's much needed economic diversification, and a Brand Strategy - to inform ourselves and the world what Botswana holds in store for investors, visitors, traders and foreign residents.
I shall set up a special Committee of Cabinet responsible for economic issues and employment that will report to Cabinet monthly on progress made with regards these various initiatives. This committee will be headed by the Vice President.
25. Finally I intend to try and find ways to phase out any excessive or counter-productive bureaucracy. Our public service, at both central and local level, 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.
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