Masisi continues to defend presidential foreign travel
Mompati Tlhankane | Tuesday September 12, 2023 06:00
Masisi, who popularised the phrase 'Ke a le tsamaela', reiterated his commitment to these trips when speaking to government media, following his visit to the Munda Reds Droughtmaster cattle farm in Australia.
The purpose of the trip was to explore the purchase of additional cattle semen to enhance the breeding programme at the Ramatlabama National AI Laboratory. "I am here to mine, I am here to work. Every time you should ask what I am bringing back from these trips. It is not just me but my entourage, which includes leaders from across sectors," Masisi emphasised.
He underlined that he travels with an entourage, including Agriculture Minister Fidelis Molao, all working for the benefit of Batswana. Masisi urged those who question the significance of his trips to reconsider their stance, particularly when they perceive his administration as inactive. The President has faced heavy criticism regarding his international trips, with some questioning the timing of his recent one to Australia, which followed his address to the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) members in Palapye.
Critics, including some within the BDP, had previously called for restrictions on international travel to focus on the 2024 General Election campaign. During the recent Winter Session of Parliament, Member of Parliament (MP) Motsamai Motsamai for Gantsi South, raised concerns about the allocation of funds for what he deemed "ineffectual trips" by Masisi, suggesting that the resources could be better spent addressing youth unemployment. In response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lemogang Kwape defended the President's travels, highlighting their significance in advancing Botswana's foreign policy and national interests. Kwape stressed that Masisi serves as the country's Principal Diplomat and plays a crucial role in promoting Botswana's foreign policy objectives at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.
He argued that the President's external engagements are vital for the nation's progress. Masisi, following his return from Australia, reported that their hosts, Munda Reds Droughtmaster, were impressed and willing to reduce prices for cattle sales to government. This outcome demonstrates the tangible results Masisi says he is championing and argues can be achieved through such international efforts.