Botswana suffers misfortune due to poor leadership
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:36
Addressing residents of Francistown at Tatitown kgotla recently, he said lack of proper planning and building maintenance has created problems for the country.
Boko stated that the country’s second city currently has over 103,417 residents and that poor planning has led to a long waiting list for maintenance, repairs, and development.
He added that government buildings, including classrooms and hospitals, were constructed without maintenance plans, which is why they are now in dilapidated conditions.
According to Boko, poor leadership is a major problem. 'We think everyone is a leader, but when problems arise, the same leaders relax,' he said.
The President emphasised the need for leaders with critical understanding, vision, and respect for the people they serve.
Boko also said that if leaders are unbothered by the struggles of the poor, it is massively disrespectful.
'I'm telling you this so that if in the near future I am unbothered by your situation, then I will be disrespecting you,' he added.
When addressing leaders, Boko said that Cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament should not just be addressed as 'honourable' due to their positions.
Instead, he suggested, they should work in an honourable way to prove their worth.
'Their work should speak for itself because they are leaders sent to serve the people, not the other way around,' he said.
Boko emphasised that people's rights are critical and that leaders should deliver on their promises.
'You should not beg for your rights,' he added. 'If you have voted for a leader, they should be able to deliver on their promises.'
Regarding the minimum wage, Boko said that the country has long run a low-wage economy.
However, he said the Umbrella for Democratic Change-led government has promised to deliver a P4,000 minimum wage and a P1,800 old-age pension fund, which they intend to fulfill.
Boko also announced that plans are underway to construct a new hospital in Francistown.
He said the state-of-the-art hospital will address the growing concerns of the expanding population and alleviate pressure on Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital.
The proposed hospital is expected to have approximately 300 beds.
Additionally, Boko mentioned other development projects, including the transformation of the A1 road. These initiatives aim to improve the lives of Francistown residents and support the city's growth.