18 Nov 2024

The last batch of six cabinet ministers and four assistant ministers took oath of office yesterday, completing the swearing-in exercise of the executive arm of government.

Addressing the ministers after the swearing-in at Office of the President, President Advocate Duma Boko implored them to steer clear of corruption.

 “There will be no corruption, first because I expect that we will uphold the highest standards. Secondly and more critically, we will put in place very robust institutions and practices that will ensure that there will be no corruption,” said President Boko.

For the administration to police itself, he said there would be institutions and structures that would be exerting influence and providing oversight to ensure compliance to set standards.

The position of minister and assistant ministers demands that one uphold certain values and principles, which entail defending the rights of the people they serve, President Boko said.

He further explained that such rights were enshrined in the Constitution and even existed outside the Constitution hence they were fundamental, inalienable and should not be violated.

Also, he said they would work with fellow cabinet members, Members of Parliament, civil society and ordinary members of society as well international bodies and organisations, and they would be expected to work diligently and unleash their full potential.

“This is a huge responsibility, any obstacle that we encounter, we will navigate together. Any issues that present themselves as challenges, we will relish the opportunity to resolve them,” said President Boko.

The President said where they failed or faltered, they must go back to the community to be admonished and corrected because government’s tone was that of agility.

President Boko encouraged cabinet members to provide solutions and change some norms to ensure service efficiency.

“We do not have time, we have to deliver in the shortest time,” he said and promised them his full support.

“Be inspired, be encouraged, you have my full support, you have the full support of all these servants of the nation,” he said.

He also asked them to accord public officers due respect, from the lowliest to the loftiest.

The six ministers who took oath of office were; Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Noah Salakae, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, Minister of Higher Education, Mr Prince Maele,

Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi and Minister of Sports and Arts, Mr Jacob Kelebeng.

Assistant ministers included, Assistant Minister for State President, Ms Maipelo Mophuting, Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Keoagile Atamelang, Assistant Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Mr Motsamai Motsamai and Assistant

Minister of Higher Education, Mr Justin Hunyepa. ENDS