Mpho Churchill O. Mophuting

"Unlike synthetics, natural diamonds from Botswana have a compelling story rooted in nature, ethics and stability. Ours are more than just a commodity, and this is the reason that we have considered to be a permanent feature at this particular show to attract and retain many of our devoted customers who happen to be Americans."

"I have seen it grow beyond military to military cooperation and bring other entities into the program."

"I came first wearing the uniform and am on a fact-finding mission to look for the areas we can partner with North Carolina and bring the North Carolina (state government) leadership to Botswana someday."

"It’s an ambition. It’s a goal we have set and that everyone will benefit, especially the younger generation."

"Education is one sector that we know North Carolina specializes in, especially when it comes to research. Botswana has been involved with NC for a long time in our work on agriculture."

"We have (the SPP) knowledge and experience, and are looking for a partner in development, and working together, we believe in transforming the economy and building strategic partnerships."

"You are more than welcome to do business and invest in Botswana, we will try everything possible to make it as attractive as possible."

"Imagine a country which has more cattle than people itself… there are more cattle than us."

"The largest population of elephants are found in Botswana. Currently there are about 40,000 herds of elephants roaming the world. And about 16,000 of them are found in Botswana. Botswana has dedicated about 40% of its land mass to wildlife conservation. We are very proud of that."

"North Carolina and Botswana have a lot of similarities and can partner with mutual benefits, exchange notes, and we can learn from each other."

"The promotion of the Botswana diamond for development story is one of my key priority areas as I look forward to promoting Botswana’s interests."

"BDF has been hit with recurring incidents of homicides and suicide across the country and even outside the country, despite the institutions efforts to offer psycho social support to the army officers. It is disheartening that the disciplined forces are involved in serious crime of ending lives."

"But behaviour of some members is unheard of and questionable. As disciplined forces, their duty does not allow them to lack discipline. They have been trained even on policing and public safety, and when they turn around to commit murder, either being suicide or killing of another person and have misconduct, this is a disgrace and disappointing."

"The environment requires the leadership to pay close attention to several essential elements that play central roles in an effectively managed organisation. The BDF has since taken a deliberate decision to enhance the psych-social support services capacity in the army."

"We have never neglected the psychological and social welfare of the army and we will take all necessary measures to ensure prudent psycho-social experiences. We promise to engage the psych-social support services more to address issues."

"You have entrusted me with the leadership of our nation’s most formidable instrument of national power."

"I accept the appointment as the seventh commander of the Botswana Defence Force with unwavering commitment to the constitution of the republic, the President of the Republic of Botswana and the democratic ethos of our nation and to the preservation of peace, sovereignty and human dignity."

"This was not a mere appointment but rather the manifestation of destiny itself."