Minister Motsumi at the Vision 2016 Awards

| Tuesday September 28, 2010 00:00

It is now common knowledge that through Vision 2016, this nation committed to achieve 'Prosperity for all by the year 2016'.  When we made this commitment in 1996, Ladies and Gentlemen, we set ourselves milestones that we wanted to achieve knowing very well that the road to success was not going to be an easy one.

We knew that in order to achieve our goals, we needed to change our mindsets and focus better than we did before. We knew that we needed to accelerate the pace at which we were doing things.

We also knew that if all the stakeholders played their part well by making critical inputs into the main channel of activities towards the achievement of prosperity for all by 2016, we were going to pull through and benefit from this process.

I think it is fitting that we hold this Vision 2016 Excellence Awards ceremony because it provides us with the opportunity to, among others, reflect upon the significance of these awards and indeed the Vision itself.

I must state that the Vision Council's ability to organize an event of this magnitude demonstrates to me the fact that citizens and organizations have not only embraced our national Vision but have been able to locate their roles within the framework of the Vision, both as individuals and as organizations.

Increased participation in these awards over the years truly demonstrates the willingness of citizens to play a meaningful role in the implementation of the Vision's mandate and also the re-affirmation to commitment to the spirit of self-reliance. Bagaetsho let me hasten to indicate that all of us can contribute to this Vision in our own small ways. Ga go a tshwanna go nna le ope yo o ka nyatsang seabe sa gagwe mo Tebelopeleng e ya rona. I have always believed, and I still do, that this Vision is like a great river - we are all its tributaries. It needs us to fill it up, offer it sustenance and keep it flowing for use by future generations.

I recently had an opportunity to partake in the launch of Vision 2016 Awareness Month at Jackalas I where I learnt the village, under the tutelage of its own daughters and sons, was the first to develop a Strategic plan with a view to implementing Vision 2016.

For a moment, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thought this was a true story of one of the Vision's tributaries playing its part? I am aware that some of our communities engage in projects geared towards the achievement of Vision 2016, and they have not necessarily drawn their strategic plans.

As  individuals and communities, we should always strive to develop action programmes to define our specific contribution to the nation's efforts to realize the Vision's goals and aspirations. As Government, we are fully supportive of this National Vision for it provides this nation a platform to discuss issues of mutual interest. It provides us an opportunity to introspect and find ways through which partners can help us to improve the lives of our citizens. I am hopeful that the efforts of the Vision Council to encourage the private sector and civil society to develop strategies for implementation of Vision 2016 will bear fruit.

Admittedly, notable progress has been attained in some pillars, whilst for some we are still faced with insurmountable challenges to overcome. Lack of economic diversification, poverty, unemployment HIV/Aids are cited in the Botswana Performance Report (2009) as some of the key challenges that we still have to contend with if we are to make serious inroads in achieving prosperity for all by 2016. It is for partly for this reason that I have spent the past few weeks traversing the length and breadth of this country consulting with the various local authorities to plead with them to embrace and take the lead role in promoting the Economic Diversification and Sustainable Growth Strategy in their areas.

Directors of Ceremonies, this strategy outlines the milestones and major activities our government, in partnership with development partners, is committed to embark on if we are to diversify our economy.

We have said it so many times that this economy cannot rely on diamonds alone, and the recent economic meltdown has demonstrated how vulnerable we are as a nation to rely on one major source of revenue. This strategy therefore, prepares us for the future so that we can remain globally competitive.

It is imperative for us to look into other ways through which we can diversify our economy, and central to this is citizen participation in the whole process. Citizens must drive the whole process if we are to meet the goals of Vision 2016, and it becomes even easier if our communities develop strategies through which they can participate in this endeavour. The challenge is to continue to think outside the box if we are to serve this country well and ensure sustainable economic growth for the betterment of all. 

Tonight, Ladies and Gentlemen, we will witness individuals, Government agencies, Parastatals and Non-Governmental Organizations being given awards for various undertakings that are a result of improved productivity, commitment and compliance to Vision 2016. These individuals and organizations are demonstrating to us two things: first, that there is buy in and internalization on the expectations of the citizens in so far as Vision 2016 is concerned.

Secondly, they are showing us that the theme for this year 'turning challenges into opportunities' is really possible. With only 6 years left before we reach 2016, we have no choice but to leave no stone unturned in pursuit of Vision 2016 goals. Tonight, I want to say congratulations to all of you for a job well done and encourage you to continue to improve the marvelous work that you are doing.  You make us proud.

Truly, your tireless efforts and selfless dedication to serve this country are unparalleled. You have shown us that excellence is central to Vision 2016. And it is only through excellence that we can improve our lives and those of the communities that we serve as we drift towards the year 2016. I hope, even after receiving these awards, you will continue to be innovative in how you contribute to your societies.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe these awards should inspire the rest of us to work harder and make even more progress towards the attainment of our goals.

Whilst we award these deserving people, let us also remember that there are some individuals and organizations that are immensely contributing towards our communities through their social responsibility programmes.

Even though they are not taking part in this event, we want to wholeheartedly acknowledge their significant contribution. We are mindful of the fact that this country would not have progressed in the manner it has if it were not for their participation. We can only encourage them to be part of the process next year so that this country can appreciate your contributions towards the implementation of Vision 2016.

In conclusion, Director of Ceremonies let me thank you for having asked me to be with you in this joyous celebration, and urge all of you to follow the theme and make the noble goals of Vision 2016 a reality. In this way, you will be in course toward the implementation of our great Vision- Vision 2016.

I thank you all and wish you a successful and enjoyable celebration as well as a happy independence holiday next week. I thank you.PULA!

*Lesego Motsumi is Minister of Presidential Affairs and acting Minister of Defence and Security