16 Mar 2025

Minister for State President has hailed the outgoing UNICEF Country Representative to Botswana and SADC, Dr Joan Matji for advocating for children’s rights, improved access to education, healthcare and social protection.
Speaking during Dr Matji’s farewell ceremony in Gaborone recently, Mr Moeti Mohwasa said her dedication to children’s issues would help construct a brighter future for children everywhere in the world.
“Your dedication transformed the way this country looks at addressing violence against children. Your actions have ensured that every child not only dreams but has the opportunity to achieve those dreams,” Mr Mohwasa.
Also, Minister Mohwasa said Dr Matji’s tenure was synonymous with transformation adding that her legacy in Botswana served as a testament to the transformative power of leadership, empathy and action.
“Your exceptional contributions will continue to inspire us. Your work has woven intricate threads into the fabric of our national journey towards safeguarding children’s rights and well-being,” Mr Mohwasa said.
For his part, Council for Children’s Rights member, Mr Norman Molele said the council benefited immensely from Dr Matji’s expertise on issues of children, adding that they would carry her legacy forward and work with children to advance their issues.
He said Dr Matji showed the private sector the importance of investing in children, through collaborations.
Dr Matji, who will take the role of Global Director, Nutrition and Child Health at UNICEF headquarters in New York from here, said she was hopeful that her legacy would continue where the efforts it embarked on would be for every Motswana child, ‘to ensure that they have a prosperous, safe and fulfilling life’.
Dr Matji, who started her tour of duty in Botswana at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic actively worked among others the Eseng Mo Ngwaneng campaign, which she rallied the entire country on it.
“The joy and fulfillment I get as I leave is that Botswana now has a child justice system. Together with the office of the Ombudsman, the Attorney General, ministries of justice and that of health and others, we have been able to engage partners to say we want a child justice system that is responsive to the needs of children.
“A child justice system where when children are violated they do not have to wait many years before their issues are heard at the courts and anything is done about the perpetrators,” Dr Matji said.
She further said she had enjoyed working with government as well as stakeholders on issues of children, and interacted more with children across the country. ENDS