It gives me great joy to address you as our nation marks 60 years of Independence. This Diamond Jubilee calls upon us to celebrate our democracy, our unity and the progress we have built together. Today, we remember with gratitude, celebrate with pride and look to the future with confidence.
Botswana’s progress has been built across generations and successive administrations. Each generation has inherited a duty to preserve what works, strengthen what is weak and respond to the changing needs of our people.
Governments may change, but the responsibility to serve Batswana continues. We must protect our democratic inheritance through accountable leadership, respect for the rule of law, strong institutions and commitment to the national interest.
Across our villages, towns and cities, Batswana gather to reflect upon our national journey. Our Diamond Jubilee theme, “Botswana at 60: Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity,” captures the spirit of this milestone. We honour those whose courage brought us this far, and we accept our responsibility to carry Botswana forward.
On 30 September 1966, Botswana took its place among the world’s independent nations. Our forebears faced the formidable task of turning political independence into a better life for Batswana. They had limited resources, but possessed the courage, discipline and determination to build a nation.
Today, we honour those who have served Botswana over six decades: our dikgosi, political leaders, farmers, educators, health workers, public officers, members of the disciplined services, entrepreneurs, workers and community leaders. We also honour every Motswana whose contribution helped build this nation, including the parents and grandparents whose labour and values shaped the Botswana we know today.
Bagaetsho, independence was achieved at a moment in history, but nation-building has required the unity and work of generations. It has never been the responsibility of government alone. Each of us must consider what we can contribute and what we will leave behind.
Foundations laid during the early decades of independence had helped transform our economy. Diamond revenues supported education, healthcare, roads and essential public services. More Batswana gained opportunities to study, acquire skills and contribute to national development. Botswana earned recognition for stability, sound economic management and prudent use of its mineral wealth.
Step by step, Batswana built the institutions and capabilities that gave practical meaning to independence. We have now begun the next stage of that journey: building the Botswana to which we aspire and delivering Our Promise, One Step at a Time.
Foundations laid during the early decades of independence had helped transform our economy. Diamond revenues supported education, healthcare, roads and essential public services. More Batswana gained opportunities to study, acquire skills and contribute to national development. Botswana earned recognition for stability, sound economic management and prudent use of its mineral wealth.
Our cultural identity has sustained us. It lives in the languages spoken in our homes, the food served at our tables, the stories passed between generations, and the music, dance, craftsmanship and indigenous knowledge of our communities. Every community must see its heritage respected and its contribution acknowledged in Botswana’s story.
Culture also creates opportunities for livelihoods. Our creative talent, heritage and natural landscapes can support enterprises that generate income while preserving what makes Botswana unique. A confident nation understands its roots and gives its people opportunities to grow.
As we engage with a changing world, we must protect this inheritance. Let generations share their knowledge. Let us support our artists and cultural workers. Let us encourage our children to speak indigenous languages, appreciate our traditional cuisine and explore their heritage with pride.
To the young people of Botswana, your energy, talent and imagination are already shaping our country. We see your contribution in classrooms, communities, businesses, farms, sports and the creative arts. You are not merely the leaders of tomorrow. You are our partners in building Botswana today.
Celebration must also make room for honesty. The benefits of Independence have not reached every household equally. Unemployment remains unacceptably high. Our economy remains insufficiently diversified, and our dependence on diamonds leaves us vulnerable to forces beyond our borders.
Persistent drought threatens agricultural production and food security. Too many citizens face delays when seeking essential services.
We speak openly about these realities because Botswana has never advanced by avoiding difficult conversations. Ntwa kgolo ke ya molomo.
We hear the graduate searching for a first opportunity. We hear the entrepreneur with a promising idea but limited access to finance. We hear the farmer facing drought and Foot and Mouth Disease. We hear the patient waiting for medication, the parent concerned about education and the family that needs reliable water.
These are not distant policy concerns. They are the daily experiences of our people, and they must guide the current phase of Government.
Progress will be judged by improvements citizens can see and experience: employment opportunities, better learning, available medicines, potable water and timely public services. Policies, budgets and programmes must improve the lives of Batswana.
Our history gives us confidence that we can overcome these challenges together. I call upon every Motswana, at home and abroad, to bring forward ideas, effort and a renewed sense of possibility. Explore the world and learn from it. Build partnerships across borders. Wherever you go, carry Botswana’s heritage and the spirit of Botho with you.
These concerns demand a practical response. Government must strengthen the connection between education, skills and employment. We must expand technical training and create conditions in which businesses can invest, grow and employ more Batswana. Young people must have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their future.
Our history gives us confidence that we can overcome these challenges together. I call upon every Motswana, at home and abroad, to bring forward ideas, effort and a renewed sense of possibility. Explore the world and learn from it. Build partnerships across borders. Wherever you go, carry Botswana’s heritage and the spirit of Botho with you.
The next chapter of our Independence requires a broader and more productive economy. We need more employment, more Botswana-made goods and services in local and international markets, and a stronger base of public revenue.
We must build that economy through modern agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, energy, digital enterprise and the creative industries.
We must strengthen local businesses to compete in larger markets and continue investing in the capabilities and wellbeing of our people.
This work requires choices and discipline. We cannot pursue every initiative at the same time. Government must concentrate resources on priorities that make the greatest difference, monitor implementation and address obstacles before weaknesses become entrenched. Every Pula entrusted to government must serve a clear public purpose.
At 60, Botswana must renew the national covenant that has carried us through six decades. Whatever our political affiliation, community, language, age or social standing, we share one country and one future.
Our differences should enrich our national conversation, not divide us.
Botswana advances when Batswana work together, care for one another and place the national interest above personal division. Let this anniversary renew our confidence in unity, honest leadership and shared responsibility.
Botswana’s progress has also been supported by peace and cooperation within our region and across the world. We extend a special welcome to the Republic of Mozambique, who have chosen to celebrate this Diamond Jubilee with us. We value the friendship between our countries and look forward to strengthening it for the benefit of our peoples and region.
As many of you travel to celebrate with family and loved ones, I urge you to be vigilant, patient and considerate on our roads. Every journey must end safely. Let us also protect our homes and property.
At 60, Botswana must honour its inheritance by ensuring that national progress reaches and benefits every Motswana.
May this Diamond Jubilee renew our faith in Botswana and in one another. Let us celebrate the distance we have travelled, confront our challenges with courage and move forward as one people, united in purpose.
