Adding to the surprise, members from outside the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) were also appointed, with Lawrence Ookeditse of the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) and independent legislator Dr Edwin Dikoloti both taking on assistant minister positions. Speaking during the announcement of Cabinet on Monday, Boko said they had undertaken a government that is agile, swift to appreciate situations, and quick to device appropriate interventions and strategies to deal with those situations. He said they must implement the strategies as quickly and effectively as possible.
Boko said they announced only six appointments as they would take it in batches to give people time to critique, analyse, and air their own views. Ministry of Finance – Ndaba Gaolathe “We are going to start by installing the person who will be an arrowhead for our dealing with these economic challenges and other associated issues. That is the Ministry of Finance, and I have the honour to announce the Vice President of our country as also the Minister of Finance,” he said calling on people to work with him, engage him, and challenge him. Boko said Gaolathe has a huge job in his hands as he has to stir Botswana out of the turbulent waters. “We believe he has the temperament, he has the intellect, the intellectual dexterity to wrestle successfully with the challenges that we face. We also know that he won't mislead you. He will be honest, upright, and sincere to you,” he said. Ministry of Health – Dr Stephen Modise with Lawrence Ookeditse as assistant The Health ministry will under Boko have newcomers to Parliament Dr Stephen Modise and Lawrence Ookeditse as Minister and Deputy Minister respectively.
