Speaking on Saturday during the swearing in of the new CJ, Boko said the timing was right as the country had made a commitment to uphold human rights in every action, decision, intervention, and approach it undertakes. "The appointment of the new CJ came at the opportune moment when the country was striving to uphold human rights in every step and expectations from the nation are at an all-time high," he said. As he placed the country's confidence in him, Boko told the CJ to lead with integrity and humility as the nation has high expectations. "Leading a Judiciary which by creation is an important arm of government and of the nation needs resilience and competence. You have become a high priest in the temple of justice and you ought to rise above the ordinary and commonplace, as you owe loyalty to the legal profession and the nation," Boko said.
The President advised Justice Ketlogetswe to be on high alert reminding him that he would be subjected to the most intense and probing examinations by society to test his capability and resilience. He explained that members of the public were entitled to scrutinise the Judiciary and that the new CJ must be up to the task. "Taking oath means you have accepted this office and by accepting the office you submit to all the probing and scrutanisation. "You should be ready," he said. Boko emphasised that listening to the people will be his tool, therefore, he should listen to the views of all. He acknowledged the new CJ's vast experience in the legal fraternity pointing out that he has been exposed to all facets of the functions of the country's Judiciary from his career which spanned over 30 years, thus making him a suitable candidate for the job. "Over the years as a legal practitioner you have demonstrated humility and most importantly besides the competence you have judicial temperament, you have the ability to listen to even the most unpopular," he said.
President Boko further told Chief Justice Ketlogetswe that the nation placed confidence in him to serve well and as such he should rise to the occasion. He further said whilst Ketlogetswe would meet challenges, arguments, and propositions in discharging his duties, he ought to apply the law and make sure that his duties reflect carefully on the competing interests of the people, litigants, and the society in general. Boko noted that failure to listen to critics could stifle democracy and affect the functioning of the Judiciary as an independent body.
Justice Ketlogetswe ascends to the new position and he is taking over from Justice Terrence Rannowane, who Boko announced that he retired on medical grounds. Ketlogetswe reportedly joined the Administration of Justice (AoJ) as a magistrate in 2001, rising through the ranks to become principal magistrate. He is said to have also served in the High Court as Assistant Registrar and Master of the High Court and was later appointed Judge of the High Court. Before joining and serving in the AoJ, Chief Justice Ketlogetswe had extensive experience in the legal framework, having also worked in private practice.
