141 quotes found
"It has turned out to be the most expensive and longest-running trial this country has ever dealt with. It has also attracted a lot of interest as well as a fair amount of bandwagon jumpers, both nationally and internationally, than perhaps any other case has ever done.'The Bushmen belong to an ethnic group 'that has been historically looked down upon,', said the judge - the names for them 'common terms of insult in the same way as nigger' and kaffir'."
"It got me thinking about the issue on a broader scale, How do you retain a cultural identity, which everyone says is a good thing, without being isolated."
"On a personal level, that was hard. It wasn't just my case, my issue, but the focus was on me personally. At the time I was young and thought everything was possible but there was a real cost both financially and emotionally. I always say at the start I was driving a BMW and by the end of the case I was in a pick-up truck. I had to take my kids out of private school and put them in public school."
"I was born into a Botswana where there was no tarmac road, no telephone, where you had to hold water on your head and firewood as well. I think I saw my first refrigerator when I was a teenager."
"Reforming the African Union, will open great opportunities in areas of trade, employment and economic growth in Africa."
"'ultimately about a people demanding dignity and respect."
"Botswana is emerging from a 'national shutdown'."
"The language of law is very masculine. The culture of law is so masculine. At one point, I started to think that it shouldn't be like this and that I have a right to be where I am."
"It wasn’t that simple. But in the end, I won. It not only changed the law on citizenship, so that men and women were equal in citizenship, it actually influenced other laws."
"I think I’m a nomad at heart, I’m just always moving. I need to be challenged, intellectually challenged. My legacy is to challenge myself"
"It is a people saying in essence: "Our way of life may be different, but it is worthy of respect."
"We may be changing and getting closer to your way of life, but give us a chance to decide what we want to carry with us into the future".'"
"“I’m a lawyer and I’ve been a judge, but there’s one thing that I have not done so far and that is to make laws, I would love a plan to join politics and to run for a political office as a member of parliament and therefore join the legislature.”"
"I believe we need more women in leadership who can push for the necessary changes and men who can also be champions of equity."
"Never let anyone make you believe that you are not enough. You are enough. Public spaces, leadership spaces, money spaces are female spaces too! The most important thing is to ensure we are not comfortable in being the ‘only woman’ at the table. Any space can do with diversity."
"If there is no seat for you, bring a bench. But once you have a seat at the table, make sure that you’re not just there to check a box."
"We all deserve equal opportunity. Opportunity creates better livelihoods and opens up a world of possibilities for all."
"Everyone should be a women’s rights activist or an ally because, as cliché as it may sound, when a woman is empowered, she raises the whole society and community."
"Rise. There's no better time for us to be owning our spaces, doing what we believe in, and shining."
"There are positions of leadership that exist that we should take them up; we shouldn't shy away from speaking our voices. We should find a way to demand justice when it's necessary. Especially when it comes to the protection of women and children's rights."
"We live in a women's era where we have an unprecedented number of women in leadership positions in innovation."
"You cannot talk about poverty and not talk about empowering women."
"If not me then who? That is the important question we all have to ask ourselves everytime any opportunity knocks. Why is that we think maybe we are inadequate and who do we think would be in a better position to take that."
"We all deserve equal opportunity. Opportunity creates better livelihoods and opens up a world of possibilities for all. (16 April 2021) Retrieved 9 July 2022"
"Building a better world is everyone’s responsibility."
"Equity does not take away from anybody."
"Fighting climate change is a global challenge that requires authentic and inclusive regional and local collaboration."
"As once the youngest Cabinet Minister in Africa and in Botswana’s history, I will also seize this opportunity to help elevate the voices of young people and women, in particular, who are key to helping accelerate our goal of halving emissions by 2030."
"So, I my advice to young people that want to be involved in politics, whether by joining government or just influencing policy, is to use their voices and use the various platforms in a very constructive manner, and constructive manner doesn’t mean you should always be in the side of government. If you’re on the side of government all the time, then you’re not really adding value."
"Please be your sister’s keeper, send the ladder down, extend a hand (a helping one, even a comforting one, will be most welcome)."
"My vision is I see Africa blossoming, quite frankly. I don’t know where the magic lies, but I think we can find it. We just have to sow unity, we have to start—you see what’s happening in the Gambia today."
"So, Africa is fixing itself. For me, the tide has turned. From here onward it needs good administration at the head, at the AU. I know I can do that and this is why I’ve put my name up."
"Yesterday I informed, in writing to the BDP and His Excellency the President, that I intend to contest the position of President of BDP at the next elective congress,” said Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi. She previously served as the country’s foreign minister under former president Ian Khama and was a candidate for African Union Commission chair in 2017."
"There are Batswana who live along the borders with other countries and have relatives across such borders and who is really going to speak for some of our people when the government starts wild accusation relating to issues of citizenship."
"The insults on Facebook thrown at both our Former and Current Presidents are totally alien to our culture. In Setswana we may differ in opinion and disagree very strongly but insults are never freely used especially when they are made by the youth against our leaders"
"Let us, as the elderly not be relegated to being dinosaurs but utilize our knowledge and hard earned wisdom to not only increase our relevance and longevity in society, but also increase the contact between generations, bridging the gap between young and old."
"We want to be ‘the aged in counsel and the young in action."
"First thing I say to girls is be yourself, don't try to be something else. Respect yourself and everyone will respect you. I worked in a man's world, everywhere I went I was practically the only woman, but they respected me."
"I am against the idea of quotas for women in Parliament or councils. I don't think that it is right to put a woman in a position just because she's a woman. Nor do I want a woman to be denied a job because she is a woman. But I also do recognize that because so very few women are in such positions, they must be given a head start, hence the reason for a quota. But they must earn it."
"Whatever you do, make sure it's your best. Everything I did was my best, hence I have no regrets. In Setswana, there is a saying: 'Susu ilela suswane go re suswane a go ilele.'"
"“We truly express our gratitude to all the elderly persons of Botswana (alive and those resting) for the shape that they molded us into!”"
"Do not look the other way when you see acts of violence; talk about it and say no you can't do that. If you look the other way, everything bad will happen. We can't live under the illusion that we didn't see it happen."
"The constitution of Botswana gives too much power to the President and we are the only country in the region, which is still stuck to this. The President appoints, fires, promotes and demotes army personnel."
"Democracy to me means government of the people, by the people and not government of the people, by men. Democracy by nature should be inclusive, with proportionate representation of most, if not all sections of the population of a country."
"Further the development of Botswana along moral and ethical lines."
"The oneness of humanity, the equality of boys and girls in the eyes of God, and the need for honesty and kindliness in their dealings with other people."
"I commend the teaching of these virtues, "because they ensure that our nation's development is based upon a moral, ethical, and tolerant foundation."
"Government alone cannot succeed. It is through efforts such as these that many dreams can be realised. I cannot express my happiness at the success of such a tournament because it does not only bring people together but it also helps expose the talent that we have."
"...that gender equality is not just a phenomenon, but a reality that we all have to embrace if we are to achieve international, continental, regional and national sustainable development."
"The line of credit will assist Zimbabwe as it has no access to international lenders like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. It is vital that industries are resuscitated to create employment."
"We will continue to assist Zimbabwe – but it does not mean we can solve its problems. If we don’t help our neighbour what will happen when our country is on fire?"
"Zimbabweans should learn from my country when it comes to elections. During election time there is peace and everything goes on in the normal way, without violence. I believe that as soon as Zimbabwe has elections, things will be back to normal"
"It is acceptable that people belong to various political parties. What is important is building the nation. Fighting one another through party politics will not build the country. Whether one is Zanu (PF) or MDC, the fact is that you are all Zimbabweans at the end of the day"
"No amount of outside intervention can solve Zimbabwe’s internal problems. The people should unite and work together to revive the economy. We are all waiting for the country to be the breadbasket of the continent again."
"There is a serious need for our legislators and political parties to seriously push for the development and implementation of policies meant to encourage women to contest for high political positions."
"The other factor is that there is still perception from the society that women cannot lead. This has resulted in many women not showing eagerness to contest for high political positions."
"Mma go nna mo gae mo Mahalapye go dirile gore ke kgone go bona gore batsadi ba palelwa ke go amogela bana ba bone ba di gay le di lesbian. Gone moo hela go dira gore bana ba itobe mo go bone fa ba bangwe ba palelwa ke go tla magaeng. Maikaelelo a mokgatho ke go bua gape ka go ba thusa tsela ya gore ba ka tshela jang mmogo e le ba lelwapa."
"GBV is a community issue and for many women and girls, families and community members are the first line of defense against GBV, but because of the entrenched culture of silence many women and girls suffer in fear and silence,”"
"I have left active politics to be an advocate for vulnerable women and youth."
"My ministry is aware of the multiple challenges faced by women, which seriously impede their progress in life."
"Empowering women would result in improving the lives of many households in the country and ultimately deal with pockets of poverty."
"It's about time that each and every health minister looks at sustainability as part of the modelling of any approach or any initiative."
"We will fight the virus with a passion that is relentless."
"HIV/AIDS is a personal challenge, a challenge affecting individuals, families and communities."
"My career in public health was motivated by the desire to ensure the availability and accessibility of treatment and care for underserved communities, particularly women, newborns, and children who are disproportionately at high risk of infection and death from many preventable diseases. I am excited to champion and support CHAI’s mission to improve healthcare for all regardless of where you were born, and its commitment to strengthen health systems around the world to ensure the sustainability of healthcare solutions it supports."
"The greatest injustice is lack of access to equitable health care. We believe we must play an important role for any health initiative, and citizens are responsible for their own health and that of their fellow countrymen."
"The effect on nurses of seeing so many patients die is devastating, If psychological needs and the learning needs of the caregivers are neglected, they may affect their effectiveness and confidence in their practice of care, therefore they."
"A new manual designed to help health care workers deal with the impact of HIV/AIDS has been launched in Botswana. Care givers Manual Launched, (5 April 2004) Retrieved 8 November 2021"
"“If people had huge tenders, assets they must pay tax and declare where they are getting the assets”"
"“because I thought the voice of women was not heard,” but also cautions that it is not an easy life. Candidates must often fund their own races, making financial security important. Women often get discouraged and quit politics,"
"“Until and unless you change the constitution, that in the constitution you have a requirement that there must be equality at all levels, you are not going to get it right.”"
"You are either in chieftainship where there are certain laws and code of conduct such as being political because you are a chief for everybody or a politician"
"There is no such thing as Africa. To continue talking about Africa clouds our academia"
"Botswana is the most peaceful country on the African continent"
"I never want any woman to put herself down"
"Sometimes when I look at all the good that Rwanda is doing following the genocide, I think it is because they have women (in political office)"
"We need to move away from just talking about democracy---we need to talk about participation in democrary"
"From Botswana point of view we were democratic before we became independent"
"“May I emphasize that if nurtured with friendly regulatory framework and policies, the informal sector could boast economic growth and create the employment we critically desire. This will in the ultimate improve women’s participation in industrialization within the African Continent.""
"Let me assure you that my government will not relent in her effort to uproot violence against women and children. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity for us to recommit our efforts to achieve an end to GBV, which robs women and girls the privilege to enjoy their full birth rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution of this country"
"They need a representative who will have enough time on his/her hands to (meet) their needs and interests. Someone who will have an ear inclined to (listen to) their (reasonable wants and) needs. Someone who will put forward motions and questions that represent their wishes and aspirations. I am that person. I am equipped, I am qualified and I am up to the task of being their representative. If elected my full attention will be dedicated to Bonnington North while President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi will be focusing on his duties. I will not be playing a dual role and people will not be seeing me all over the place except in Bonnington North"
"You were able to transcend the gender imbalance that many are still grappling with, and installed me not because I am a woman, but rather on the basis of birthright equity."
"I for one have been given a decision-making role as I was a member of the Gender Commission which speaks to issues of equality between a male and female, but I believe that I am doing well because I have been informed that the wish of the country’s leadership is to allow me to continue serving in the committee."
"Even the male fraternity here in Gamalete territory are highly involved in the fight against GBV hence my decision to quell the thinking down on those who thought the move might be a kind of GBV-related issue."
"It is my belief that it will continue this way, even those who will bring innovative ideas will be doing it in such a way that the use will still benefit Morafe in whatever way so much that our visionary fathers who bought this farm will be happy to see their legacy continuing to eternity."
"The resultant decline in economic activity has negatively impacted government revenues which, in turn, compels Government to reprioritize its spending plans by redirecting financial resources to critical and urgent areas of need"
"Educating young girls to adopt a healthy lifestyle by taking onboard cancer screening to reduce the development of new cases and to identify early diseases that can be effectively treated,"
"Prevention should be the number one priority in Botswana, getting people exposed to messages that will educate them to avoid going into the risk factors. The idea is to start early behavioral healthy living from an early age."
"Healthcare is the key to economic prosperity and development. For investors, Botswana offers political stability, commitment, accountability and value for money."
"I want to boost prevention; ensure sustainable, high-quality health services; and provide universal healthcare coverage."
"As Africans we need to actually improve on the quality of the service that we provide."
"There is an issue of resource mobilization making sure that we actually allocate resources, domestic resources towards health."
"We need to make sure that our surveillance systems are on board because without good quality data you cannot actually plan properly."
"Hit the ground running"
"It is a sweet victory made even more special by the fact that it's history made by a woman."
"I`ll be the voice that will remind the current government of the plight of our people."
"Breaking Barriers (05/11/2019) by Kabelo Dipholo Retrieved 09 July 2022"
"As for the role plays in enabling us to venture into politics as women I do not think the media is doing enough to assist women to join politics."
"My gender has never been a factor."
"The key qualities of a good leader is being able to have a vison for wat it is you want to achieve and more importantly being able to articulate your vision and get people to support and be part of the process of achieving the vision."
"I would like to play a role in ensuring that we deliver effectively on the mandates of Heads of Government in a manner that impacts positively on the lives of the Commonwealth citizens by working together with member governments and other development partners."
"Young people should look at how other people had achieved what they have."
"Rich and poor are presented to you; liars are also presented to you. Whatever he be, everyone is yours, they are like the wives of one man—wives of one man never love each other and these wives of yours will be like that."
"Just like male politicians women are capable."
"Politics is about our country’s development so when the other gender is not actively involved, there will be no balance."
"You don’t have to insult your opponents, just sell your yourself and your party manifesto and explain thoroughly why you would be the right candidate for the job."
"Woman of steel (27 July 2022) Retrieved (30 July 2022)"
"You become unstoppable when you work on things that people cant take away from you. Things like your mindset, character, personality, transparency, your entire big."
"Growth comes with pain."
"Man is not his race or ethnicity."
"We have publications, and we need to use case studies of where we are winning, to speak out in international Climate Change gatherings to tell these stories."
"Parents have to take responsibility for their children, some communities in Botswana chaperone their children."
"I believe that there is no sufficient volunteerism in Botswana, for the youth, it's necessary for their own personal development because people concentrate on themselves at an early age."
"Democracy, like a little plant, does not grow or develop on its own. It must be nursed and nurtured if it is to grow and flourish."
"When I started working, my mother was making four times what I was earning so I was like ‘I have been reading a lot and this woman hasn’t been in school, not even one day and she is making a lot of money, is this how I am going to continue in this corporate world while my mother is out there, being her own boss, making a lot of money?’ Basically that’s how I entered into farming"
"I entered into farming not because I was passionate about it. I didn’t know anything about farming. I entered into farming because I wanted money and I wanted it quick"
"My mother was trading in vegetables; she was importing vegetables and fresh fruits from South Africa. During holidays, I would go with her to South Africa and the most interesting thing is that when crossing over to South Africa, the minute you reach the border, everything starts being green. That means farming; there are so many big farms and people there. It’s all green,"
"Now, I’m passionate about it, I live it, I eat it, I do everything to do with farming, For me, walking into a field every day and seeing how green it is, smelling the smell of oranges, it’s therapeutic."
"Take care of your mind, because that’s where your strength lies,"
"Don’t despise yourselves or where you come from. Push forward and build the future you want"
"I have hope and belief in you, and I trust that your ideas will help shape how we address youth issues"
"Gender equality is not just a goal, it is a necessity for our nation to prosper"
"I've never been more proud to be young,"
"I'm a young person living in Botswana, passionate about youth development, gender equality, but also so passionate about the development of children."
"We strive to have a world where we feel seen and heard and represented. I'm very thrilled that I happen to be the very essence of that representation,"
"According to Botswana Population Census 2022, the majority of the population of Botswana are Christians, hence why we need to pray while other faith-based organisation also do the needful,"
"In pursuit of the above, the ministry consulted the Parliamentary Caucus on Women to align perspectives. This drafting process will entail comprehensive consultations with Batswana to guide the contents of this groundbreaking bill. We therefore look forward to your input,"
"I don't think that my youth is a prejudice or a disadvantage. I think that it's my exact superpower."
"Had I decided to say, ‘The government isn’t helping me,’ I wouldn’t be where I am today,"
"This is your time to lead. Don’t wait for anyone to come and save you. Persevere and love your life so much that you fight for it."
"God is everything, and He has never failed me. Even when I didn’t win Miss World, I was at peace because God knew what He was doing. Look at me today."
"A woman can’t be young and in leadership, that’s what people say. But when you do something and do it well, being a woman or being young will never be enough to stop you."
"We want to teach children what GBV is to ensure that we prevent that culture from the root."
"My ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project has found a formula that creates sustainable development for economically disadvantaged communities while taking into account their limited financial means. We want a development program that equips parents with necessary skills and behavioral attributes of how to create a conducive environment for the economic, physical, social, mental and cognitive development of their children."
"We teach these parents how to nurture their children’s education. Under the genesis project we are very passionate about sustainability, we work with communities in order to implement this project."
"We need healthy men in our communities. We need men who actively participate in the development of our country, serve as protective brothers, engaged fathers, and provide safe spaces for their communities."
"Men must seek help when facing mental and emotional challenges."
"We are incredibly proud of Lesego and all of her achievements. She embodies beauty, grace, and intelligence."
"Challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life more interesting,"
"Self-discipline is very important."
"We should not confine women to domestic roles. Education not only empowers but also serves as a deterrent against abuse."