President leads campaign for Magosi

For SADC Executive Secretary position

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says he and his delegation have been received with warmth in all countries that he visited to solicit support for Botswana for the post of SADC Executive Secretary which becomes vacant in August.

Masisi is campaigning for Permanent Secretary to the President and cabinet secretary, Elias Mpedi Magosi to take over from the incumbent and Tanzanian national, Dr Stergomena Lawrence- Tax.

Addressing the media after his one- day visit to Pretoria, South Africa, Masisi said they have received warm friendly, hospitable reception in all the countries that they have been to.

“We have succeeded in seeing the heads of states and succeeded in presenting our candidate and his credentials and engaging in other discussions of a bilateral nature”, he said, adding that some immediately pronounced their support for the Botswana candidate.

The position is contested by Magosi and a candidate from DRC. “So there can’t be too much to consider between now and then, because it is only these two countries that are eligible.

“We expect to go to more countries, and I will be leading those delegations because we are dead serious about getting Magosi to be Executive Secretary and Botswana to lead the organisation at the highest level,” said Masisi.

He added that this is the country’s commitment to making sure that, “we have our competent, capable, marketable citizens playing the rightful roles in organisations”.

Masisi added that every Motswana should experience the pride that one of their own will lead with virtue including, confidence, frugality, humility, development, fairness, respect for the role of law which are fundamental prerequisites to development.

He said at this point, no one can accuse the country of being impatient because Botswana has waited for 41 years since the establishment of SADC.

“In our interactions with regional neighbours at continental, global level, we have been non- aligned, forthright in our principles and we have pronounced a foreign policy that speaks to peace and stability.

“I cannot think of who would not want a Motswana to lead”, Masisi said, adding that it is on the basis of this assumption and knowledge that he believes once a candidate is identified in Botswana, the nation should rally behind them.

Responding to whether a campaign team will be assembled, Masisi said the nation should be assured that there is a support structure, and more importantly, there is rock solid determination behind him.

“I do not ever imagine us failing over this, and lastly, there is you the media behind. The campaign team is pretty big”.