The Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) congratulates His Excellency, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, on his installation as the fifth President of the Republic of Botswana on the 1st of April 2018. SADC looks forward to his stewardship and continued support in accelerating the regional integration agenda.
The Republic of Botswana since its independence in 1966 has lived up to be one of Africa’s most stable and democratic countries. Botswana has once again demonstrated a smooth and peacefultransition of power, and Masisi’s orderly installation as president validates that the country remains one of Africa's strongest democracies.
In his inauguration speech, President Masisi accepted the responsibilities that has been bestowed upon him by committing to serve like those who came before him “through selfless patriotism which carried Botswana forward through often difficult times.” This message reassures SADC that President Masisi is a selfless leader, a true statesman with visionary leadership capabilities, with a keen intention to uphold the Constitution of the Republic of Botswana and to promote the interest and aspirations of the people of Botswana over the years to come.
The Republic of Botswana, through His Excellency Sir Seretse Khama who was one of the founding fathers of SADC, has played a pivotal role in the operationalisation of the institution which today is key in advancing regional cooperation and integration for its citizens. Over the years, through the capable leadership of former presidents of the Republic of Botswana, the Secretariat was successfully hosted in the land since 1981.
As President Masisi embarks on new responsibilities, the Secretariat wishes him the best in achieving this mammoth task, and avails itself to the Government of Botswana to offer support in the implementation of strategies and activities required to stimulate its economic growth. The SADC Secretariat wishes to assure the President of the unflinching commitment to work with; and serve the President, his Government and the people of Botswana. We welcome His Excellency President Masisi, and we look forward to His Excellency’s contributions in promoting regional co-operation, and SADC development in its regional integration agenda.
The SADC further sends a message of farewell and deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama who left office at the end of his constitutional tenure as fourth President of the Republic of Botswana, during which he also provided exemplary leadership as member of SADC Summits and served as SADC Chairperson (2015 – 2016).
Executive Secretary of SADC
Her Excellency Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax
