Speaking at a fundraising dinner held over the weekend to finance the campaigns of Selebi-Phikwe West MP, Kavis Kario of the Botswana Democratic Party(BDP),Johnson called on citizens to play a role in enhancing the reputation and effectiveness of governance institutions.He said the government need to continue to be transparent to the public because a society that feels participative and engaged will be more inclined to nurture democracyand its institutions than one that feels shut out from governance and government.Johnson said there is still need for infrastructure development and public institutions should continue to deliver to the national agenda efficiently.He pointed out that the most important thing that is required from the leadership is inspiration, integrity, compassion and selflessness."We need to re-establish nationhood in Botswana across the political divide and focus on the things that bind us together rather than those that divide us.We need the vision that is inspirational.Our President,Ian Khama came forth with his own vision for the nation in the 4Ds as the cornerstone of his leadership of this country.
These mantras are a clear call to action in the way a clear vision should,"Johnson said. He explained that a leader must be humble and have integrity to win the confidence of his people. He asserted that humility and integrity represent the essence of being approachable and trustworthy in the eyes of the people."A leader needs to genuinely care for the people and their upliftment. He needs to understand what the people he leads feel and what they need to achieve all they can.He needs to be compassionate. These attributes are asmuch a part of our corporate world as they are in political world. The people of Selebi-Phikwe need to understand that these attributes are what separates good leaders from poor quality people," he said. He asserted that the private sector relies on politicians to ensure that the economic environment is conducive to conducting business. He said that the corporate world require a business environment that is supported by good infrastructure and telecommunications. The sector needs fair laws and a just and effective judicial system. Johnson said business needs a tax system that is equitable and easy to interpret and comply with.He told the business community of Selebi-Phikwe to look for a candidate that is focused on making sure business thrives in this town and sponsors legislation and an environment that will enable the private sector to grow in Botswana. "Independent assessment internationally has given Botswana a strong rating as a countrythat is among the most investor-friendly environments globally today. The government would also get high marks for their willingness to listen and to engage with different stakeholders in the community," he said.
