13 November 2009
editorial
President Ian Khama will this morning address the nation after a year full of action.
Today's address comes after the President has had the opportunity to observe a lot of events that have had a profound impact on the nation's health, particularly the world economic recession.
President Khama addresses the nation after his party's first victory under his tutelage in a peaceful election nearly a month ago. Although he touched on a number of issues at his victory rally speech three days after the elections, Batswana are waiting to hear what the President's vision and prognosis of the nation's challenges are.
More importantly, Batswana are eager to hear what Khama's strategies to tackle some of these challenges are. The mainstay of Botswana's economy - diamonds - have not been performing well on the market due to the global recession, but the world economy is showing signs of recovery; President Khama is expected to share his diamond sales outlook with Batswana.
Most Batswana had pinned their hopes on spin offs from diamond beneficiation industry, which hopes were frustrated by the recession. Naturally, people want to hear what future - or fate - the industry has.
Significantly, it should be remembered that the National Development Plan 10 was delayed by several months due to huge budgetary constraints. It would be important for the President to say whether a recovery on these delays has been made.The unemployed, in particular, will be waiting to hear if they can hope for any change of fortune in the coming months.
But more than just spelling out his priorities and development plans, President Khama should be aware that there are Batswana who have expressed disquiet over what they see as a threat on civil liberties. These cannot be dismissed as malcontents or unworthy members of the lunatic fringe. Their views need to be taken on board if the President is desirous of making a united country where even the views of the minority matter.
We want to hear the President make conversation and address issues of transparency head-on. The president must reflect on the growing fears of security agents killing people in custody and even address the Kalafatis saga that soiled our reputation as a country that upholds the rule of law.
On another matter: We want to applaud the government for heeding the call by people who felt that the Brand Botswana logo was substandard. Its review at the High Level Consultative Forum shows that the government took these concerns seriously in a manner fit for a democratic and responsive government.
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