* Seretse and his generation didn't inherit a state; they created one
BaMmangwato Kgosikgosolo Ian Khama IV has called on the nation to honour his late father, Botswana’s Founding President Sir Seretse Khama, not only in words, but in deeds.
He stated that in 1966, the country’s challenge was to build a nation while today, the challenge is to build on that achievement and successes.
“As we reflect on his life, it is important that we do so with a clear understanding of the immense challenges that confronted him and his generation. When Botswana attained independence in 1966, it was not a story of inherited prosperity. It was a story of great uncertainty,” Khama said.
Speaking at the commemoration of Sir Seretse Khama day in Gaborone on Wednesday, Khama stated that in 1966, Botswana was counted among the poorest countries in the world. He said there were hardly any paved roads, limited infrastructure, and a severe shortage of skilled professionals.
“Access to education and healthcare was very minimal. The economy depended heavily on cattle farming, and even that was vulnerable to internal and external shocks,” he recalled.
Khama noted that beyond these challenges, the young nation was surrounded by hostile geopolitical realities such as apartheid South Africa, Rhodesia, and Portuguese-controlled territories — all of which posed serious diplomatic and security risks.
He noted that in those early days, the question was not how Botswana would prosper but whether Botswana would survive at all. It was this reality that Sir Seretse Khama was confronted with and stepped forward to lead.
“His greatest and most important achievement was to build a nation, and making it a respected democracy with a viable economy respected internationally,” he said.
Khama told the attendees that Seretse Khama brought together diverse tribes and communities under one identity — Batswana.
“He promoted unity, peace, and mutual respect. He upheld the importance of Bogosi while strengthening democratic governance. He did not centralise power. Instead, he built enduring institutions — Parliament, the civil service, the judiciary — institutions that have guided our nation.”
The former president mentioned that when mineral wealth, particularly diamonds, were later discovered, Seretse Khama’s leadership ensured that these resources were not squandered, but invested wisely in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and in the future of “our people; in national interest and not for self- interest”.
As it emerged and developed, Botswana was not inevitable. It was built deliberately, patiently, and wisely with modesty and compassion and Botho, he said.
“As we honour Sir Seretse Khama, it is also important to recognise that every generation of leadership in Botswana has faced its own distinct challenges.
Under the leadership of Sir Ketumile Masire, the task was to build upon the foundations that had been laid. His administration focused on expanding infrastructure, strengthening education, and managing economic growth,” Khama recalled.
Under Festus Mogae, Botswana faced one of its greatest crises — the HIV and AIDS epidemic. This, he said, was a challenge that threatened not just the economy, but the very fabric of the society.
“During my own tenure, we faced the global economic recession of 2008, which had a direct impact on our entire economy. Under Mokgweetsi Masisi, the country confronted the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19
pandemic,” he said noting that today, Botswana faces economic pressures, including the downturn in global diamond sales, reduced national revenues and cattle disease.
He pointed out that while all these challenges were and are significant, the country must never lose sight of one fundamental truth: The greatest challenge was at the very beginning.
It was the challenge of building a nation from almost nothing. He said Sir Seretse Khama and his generation did not inherit a functioning state, they created one.
He stated that in 1966, the country’s challenge was to build a nation while today, the challenge is to build on that achievement and successes.
“As we reflect on his life, it is important that we do so with a clear understanding of the immense challenges that confronted him and his generation. When Botswana attained independence in 1966, it was not a story of inherited prosperity. It was a story of great uncertainty,” Khama said.
Speaking at the commemoration of Sir Seretse Khama day in Gaborone on Wednesday, Khama stated that in 1966, Botswana was counted among the poorest countries in the world. He said there were hardly any paved roads, limited infrastructure, and a severe shortage of skilled professionals.
“Access to education and healthcare was very minimal. The economy depended heavily on cattle farming, and even that was vulnerable to internal and external shocks,” he recalled.
Khama noted that beyond these challenges, the young nation was surrounded by hostile geopolitical realities such as apartheid South Africa, Rhodesia, and Portuguese-controlled territories — all of which posed serious diplomatic and security risks.
He noted that in those early days, the question was not how Botswana would prosper but whether Botswana would survive at all. It was this reality that Sir Seretse Khama was confronted with and stepped forward to lead.
“His greatest and most important achievement was to build a nation, and making it a respected democracy with a viable economy respected internationally,” he said.
Khama told the attendees that Seretse Khama brought together diverse tribes and communities under one identity — Batswana.
“He promoted unity, peace, and mutual respect. He upheld the importance of Bogosi while strengthening democratic governance. He did not centralise power. Instead, he built enduring institutions — Parliament, the civil service, the judiciary — institutions that have guided our nation.”
The former president mentioned that when mineral wealth, particularly diamonds, were later discovered, Seretse Khama’s leadership ensured that these resources were not squandered, but invested wisely in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and in the future of “our people; in national interest and not for self- interest”.
As it emerged and developed, Botswana was not inevitable. It was built deliberately, patiently, and wisely with modesty and compassion and Botho, he said.
“As we honour Sir Seretse Khama, it is also important to recognise that every generation of leadership in Botswana has faced its own distinct challenges.
Under the leadership of Sir Ketumile Masire, the task was to build upon the foundations that had been laid. His administration focused on expanding infrastructure, strengthening education, and managing economic growth,” Khama recalled.
Under Festus Mogae, Botswana faced one of its greatest crises — the HIV and AIDS epidemic. This, he said, was a challenge that threatened not just the economy, but the very fabric of the society.
“During my own tenure, we faced the global economic recession of 2008, which had a direct impact on our entire economy. Under Mokgweetsi Masisi, the country confronted the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19
pandemic,” he said noting that today, Botswana faces economic pressures, including the downturn in global diamond sales, reduced national revenues and cattle disease.
He pointed out that while all these challenges were and are significant, the country must never lose sight of one fundamental truth: The greatest challenge was at the very beginning.
It was the challenge of building a nation from almost nothing. He said Sir Seretse Khama and his generation did not inherit a functioning state, they created one.
