Well done Minister Olopeng; I�m eating a humble pie
Thuso Palai | Wednesday September 2, 2015 16:09
Most of my doubts were borne out of the fact that I didn’t know him. I however resolved that even though I have my misgivings, I will give him the benefit of the doubt and judge later. Its not advisable to judge something or someone without seeing what they can offer first.
And I must say; for the most part, he has proved me wrong, and I am having a big fat humble pie. But I like it when someone I had my doubts about proves me wrong.
When I wrote about his appointment sometime last year, I made a few pointers of my expectations off him and he has achieved them, in most cases even surpassing my expectations.
He is a Minister who is accessible and is in touch with reality. He is in touch with what is happening and I think he takes time to know what is going on with regards that which is in his portfolio.
He takes interest in all within his Ministry, and particularly on sport. Sport is a sensitive issue in Botswana that evokes emotion and due to its various dynamics, different stakeholders who have different expectations and such issues as funding. We therefore need a Minister who is in touch with us and the issues around sport.
And Minister Thapelo Olopeng is ‘always there’. At times just being there says a lot. It shows that one is interested in what is happening. For me he has done a long in the short time that he has been in office. He is doing the right things, and talking the right things, which is very encouraging.
His recent statement that Botswana will try as much as possible to bid for international competitions really pleased me. He has in the recent past met with sport legends, and made them feel valued and needed in sport development. That is a bold step Mr Minister.
He has been accessible and when needed has reigned in some wayward associations. He has lobbied for more funds into sport and lobbied more partners. He has in most cases done that which is positive.
The issues of sport facilities around the country, the Constituency Football League, establishment of Schools of Excellence, national team players welfare and the ever thorny issue of Teachers’ involvement in sport at school level still remain as challenges. But being the energetic and available gentleman he is, I’m pretty sure, he is looking into them, if he has not done so as yet. Some of them will not be resolved overnight but I would not mind some movement towards them being resolved. He has given me confidence to believe that he has his eye on the ball.
At times we have to admit when we are wrong, and I raise my hand. I was wrong about you Mr Minister. My doubts were somewhat misplaced. In fact you have since become one of my favourite Ministers. Maybe it’s also because you oversee a Ministry that I’m passionate about: Youth, Sport and Culture. Don’t let up, keep going and making me have this humble pie.