10 Mar 2025

Botswana will return to its former glory days as a shining example of democracy.
This was said by Vice President and also Minister of Finance, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe during a kgotla meeting in Tonota on Saturday.
He said the new government had embarked on a journey to rebuild the country into a ‘new Botswana’.
This, he said would be achieved through significant infrastructure projects including construction of roads and railway linkages among other things.
Mr Gaolathe also stressed the importance of revamping State Owned Enterprises, saying they had the potential to become high performance organisations and be able to compete globally.
He also pointed out that the new government would engage and value Batswana’s opinions, as they did not want to impose on them.
In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Bokamoso Radipitse of Tonota urged the residents to support the new government, saying it could only succeed with Batswana’s backing.
Also, he called for revival of the spirit of self-reliance, citing the construction of the University of Botswana, as one achievement of that spirit.
Kgosi Radipitse also he briefed the meeting about the ‘one house, one light, one street’ initiative launched in response to rising cable theft and also to improve illumination of the village.
Briefing the Vice President on developments in the village, Tonota Umbrella Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Gabotwesepe Keletso commended government for the construction of the dual Francistown/Mathangwane road, saying it was vital for reducing traffic congestion.
Also, he praised Shashe River School for scooping top position in 2024 BGCSE.
Mr Keletso, however, called on govenemnt to expedite compensation for residents whose land as acquired for village expansion and also said there was need to increase civil servants since Tonota had been upgraded to a district.
He also called for the establishment of a junior secondary school in the Shashe West constituency to alleviate the burden of travelling for learners.
He also advocated for a health post in Tonota West.
He further briefed Vice President on severe water shortage in the village, which he said were exacerbated by aging infrastructure.
The residents pledged to support the new government. ENDS