KHAMA CALLS FOR VIBRANT STATE ENTERPRISES

KHAMA CALLS FOR VIBRANT STATE ENTERPRISES

President Lt Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama says there is a need for vibrant and focused state enterprises that can drive the economy of the country to greater heights. Speaking during his farewell lunch hosted by CEDA and other state enterprises on February 23 at GICC, President Khama said there was no how government could run its affairs without the involvement of state enterprises as they were an equal partner in development of the country.

In this regard, he called for prudent and efficient managing of the affairs of parastatal organisations in the same way as government ministries were run as they were equally charged with the responsibility of bringing much needed services and growing the economy of the country. President Khama however, applauded parastatal organisations for their corporate social responsibility, which they continued to discharge to needy members of the community in various ways.For he had unparalleled believe that state enterprises could perform well, President Khama therefore had frequent briefings by these state organs to appreciated their challenges.
In the meantime, he thanked parastatal organisations for having found it fit to host him a farewell lunch as well as extend a good gesture by giving him P60 000, a gesture he said would afford him to venture into farming without having to take a hefty loan, considering that he had been receiving presents from the nation.

In the meantime, CEDA chief executive officer, Mr Thabo Thamane who was speaking on behalf of other CEOs, applauded President Khama for his sterling leadership during his entire career in the public service.

He also acknowledged his support towards state enterprises as he was keen on knowing what was happening in each of the state organs.
To that end, Mr Thamane said this gave them an opportunity to excel and would continue to ensure that the trend continued even after the President had left office.
He said the fact that a number of parastatal organisations were established during President Khama’s reign was a reflection that he was committed to growing the economy of the country.
In addition,  the CEDA Chief Executive noted that BTC Ltd was the first state enterprise to be privatised and listed at Botswana Stock Exchange, thus giving Batswana a rare opportunity of buying domestic shares.He said the move was precise as this could pay dividend in the economy of the country.

In the meantime, while presenting the P60 000 cheque to President Khama, NBD Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lorato Morapedi said their role of parastatal organisations in development of the country as extension of government, should not be overlooked.
Ms Morapedi therefore said different parastatal organisations saw the need to appreciate the support the President afforded them. She thanked CEDA for sponsoring the lunch, which was serenaded by KTM Choir.

Source: BOPA, Dailynews Facebook page.