Communication is best in the people's languages

President Ian Khama has become perhaps the very face of this government's attempt to be accessible. He may be criticised, and we often do this, for populist tendencies and populist posturing.

However, we have no doubt that our people, intelligent and open human beings, are able to utilise such a president, by taking advantage to get their views across to him regardless of what motivates him to be around them. We therefore inevitably had to give credit to Khama for giving people this opportunity to address him directly. It matters to them that he makes time to meet them and listen to them, regardless of why he is doing it. Khama's methods have been the subject of many political scientists' attention and some have questioned his motives in engaging in such public outings. However, we know that our people do not care much about why Khama might be doing this, they see an opportunity and they often use it.

 We however want to advise President Khama to try and use the local language when he speaks to residents, especially in the non-urban regions of this country. We do understand that Khama's language problem is a result of government language policy and partly his family background.  However, that only explains his dilemma but it does not excuse it. The President needs to try as much as he can to speak the language that the majority of the people of this country understand.For Khama to speak English in Kgotla is ill advised. His recent address in Damuchejena is a case in point. In fact, we would really appreciate it if Khama could learn not Setswana only, but perhaps one or two of the local languages such as Sekgalagadi and Ikalanga. That would help him a lot. If he cannot speak them just yet, then Khama should have someone to translate into these languages whenever he travels to the areas where these languages are widely spoken.  Speaking English at Kgotla can be misconstrued to suggest that government does not take its communication with the average citizen or tribesman seriously.  Others may interpret that behaviour to suggest that government is in fact arrogant.This is their country and any government that takes itself seriously should be prepared to engage with them in their own languages.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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