Patrick Ralotsia

"There are cabinet ministers who want to deal in industrial hemp. To the best of my knowledge I know that they support the legalization of industrial hemp."

"When I leased my farm to them, they told me they were into horticulture. They said they also would like to do production of industrial hemp, but in the course of time. I told them that in as much as they would like to do that, it should be in order and we do the necessary consultations with all relevant stakeholders and ministries because industrial hemp is apparently somewhat associated with Motokwane (marijuana)."

"We did that. There is a committee working on that. I think out of excitement Fresh Standards wanted to experiment with the plant in relation to Botswana’s environment. I did not know they planted it. I trusted that they would stick to my instruction."

"I learnt that they had planted 32 plants, when arriving from Gaborone. My employees had been taken by the police for questioning. One of the officials of the company was also present there."

"In fact, initially Fresh Standards approached the permanent secretary and the Police who in writing, gave them green light. It appears it is only the Minister who can give a waiver and publish it in Government Gazette."

"I know the economic benefits of industrial hemp and will not change my mind. I am prepared to go to jail for that."

"Over the years the Francistown plant has failed to make any significant contribution to the economy but instead it has been draining the government P35 million per annum. Above this there were also expenses of salaries of 195 employees. All these years the plant has been operational, and it was running at a loss. Therefore, it has to be noted that the decision to shut down the Francistown BMC was not done in bad faith because it was practically impossible to operate it. The decision was not to punish anyone but to save the public funds from going down the drain consistently."

"The government cannot build a multi-million facility and just leave it to cease operations permanently. We are currently trying to engage with farmers and different stakeholders on how the plant can be brought back to life and contribute to the economy. We no longer want to experience what has been happening with daily targets of cattle stock. Mind you the throughput of the plant is 380 per day but there were instances when it will go for two months without slaughtering due to failure by farmers to bring cattle."

"We intend to invite expression of interest for disposal of Francistown abattoir."

"We know that some of these partnerships will require us to make some modifications as far as the meat processing and the sale of our beef is concerned because of some of the religions our potential partners are involved with."

"I did not know of my sacking until I was called by one of my daughters who said she had seen reports to that effect on social media. This was around past three (afternoon) and we decided to listen to Radio Botswana and that was confirmed in a spot announcement just after the news bulletin."

"First, I must accept that being a minister or not is the prerogative of the President. I have been here (Minister) since the last elections and have served under two Presidents but now it is what it is and I have since accepted it. I don’t think the President has any obligation to consult me if he feels that my time in cabinet is over. But also I must not misinform myself into thinking the fact that I, being a minister means I am the best in the system. That is what I have always taught myself. I am not at war with the President and am not aware if there is anything of that kind. At least as far as am concerned I have always supported Masisi and I continue to, including today."

"My conscience remains very clear, I am not confused."