17 Dec 2024

 The newly elected Tsabong District councillors have been urged to support the National Vision 2036 in the interest of advancing the country’s development agenda.

Kick starting the Tsabong District Council three day induction exercise for the 23 councillors which started on Monday to lay the foundation for the 2024-2029 political cohort, Tsabong District commissioner, Mr Levis Thupa said councillors were torch bearers in a community with a critical role to play in realising National Vision 2036.

Part of their mandate, he said was to drive the district development agenda and urged them to always have the vision at the back of their minds.

Mr Thupa said the vision sought to achieve prosperity for all, as stated in the pillars; sustainable economic development, human and social development, sustainable environment, governance peace and security.

He highlighted that Tsabong District was endowed with rich and untapped tourism potential, cultural tourism, had great opportunity for harnessing renewable energy hence called on councilors to be alive to the opportunities in the district.

He added that facilitation of private sector participation in the economy could unlock potential and value chain development, infrastructure development.

Mr Thupa said the district lagged behind in infrastructure development and called for the new district leadership to nurture an environment that brought forth innovative solutions at district level.

Botswana’s economy he said was heavily reliant on diamonds and economic diversification ought to be pursued.

“Let us see how we can contribute to economic diversification as a district,” said Mr Thupa and explained that unemployment remained a challenge, particularly among youth and women hence the need for the new political leadership to work collectively with the administrative wing to deal with such a challenge.

“Our current position as a district, we have limited agricultural activities due to harsh climatic conditions, hence the need to benchmark from countries which are thriving in Agriculture under the same climatic conditions,” he said.

Mr Thupa said councilors should act as a bridge between government and the community, monitor local government projects, to ensure optimum delivery, advocate for and facilitate investment opportunities in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture and renewable energy.

“Let us address unemployment and poverty by fostering job creation initiatives and encourage private sector participation in the economy. Unlock opportunities in the district, value chain development,” he said.

Tsabong council secretary, Mr Mosimanegape Mogorosi said the induction exercise was designed to chart a course for the conduct of public affairs as expected of councillors.

“In the next three days councilors will be upraised of the statutory and regulatory provisions which govern the conduct of government business and learn different leadership topics which would include emotional intelligence,” he said.

The council secretary impressed upon councillors that councilors, as leaders, their first calling was to provide governance at local level.

“Leadership is about taking the people to the Promised Land and transforming the lives of ordinary people, delivering on a promise,” he said.

He underscored that the mission of Tsabong District Council was to be a center of excellence in local governance, to ensure that they improve the livelihoods of the community through the provision of infrastructure and social services.

“Leadership places upon us a huge moral and ethical responsibility it is not only a creation of power but places upon us immense moral and ethical responsibility…May you create and leave your long lasting legacy for generations to come,” he said.

Councilors will elect the council chairperson and deputy on Thursday during special full council. ENDS