Windhoek
Batswana should be proud of their country’s achievements over the last 50 years, Botswana’s High Commissioner to Namibia, Tshenolo Modise, said on Monday night.
Speaking at a gala dinner held in Windhoek ahead of Botswana’s 50th independence celebrations on Friday, she said they are proud of what they have achieved, taking into consideration the country’s humble beginnings.
The golden jubilee comes at a time when Botswana is hailed as a thriving middle-income economy that has progressed from very humble beginnings to an African country whose economy is on the upswing, while its democracy, rule of law and human rights records are the envy of many of its African peers.
“Not only are we united and proud but we are grateful to many countries, organisations and indeed individuals for having contributed to the positive story of Botswana,” she said.
She said that at independence the country of 582 000 square kilometres had only 12 kilometres of paved roads, a few hospitals, and most people depended on cattle and subsistence farming for an income.
“We were one of the world’s poorest countries and relied entirely on external budgetary support,” she said.
But now fifty years on, she added, Botswana is highly rated by almost all international rating agencies.
According to her, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) describes Botswana as one of Africa’s veritable economic and human development success stories.
“International consensus is that Botswana’s transformation is a product of prudent management of natural resources and a solid long-term vision by the country’s leadership,” she said.
However, she added, Batswana do not only take pride in their success but are equally aware of the challenges they now face.
“We are working hard to ensure that the problems of unemployment, the AIDS epidemic, drought, poverty and an economy that is stubbornly undiversified do not reverse the gains we have made in the last fifty years.”
The event was graced by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Peya Mushelenga, Minister of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Zephania Kameeta, Windhoek Mayor Muesee Kazapua, Omaheke Regional Governor Festus Ueitele, members of the business community, high commissioners and ambassadors.
Previously known as Bechuanaland, Botswana gained independence from Britain on September 30, 1966, under the leadership of Sir Seretse Khama.
Khama was elected president by the National Assembly in 1966 and then re-elected for two additional terms, until he passed away in 1980.