All Quotes

"The current global financial architecture is not fit for purpose and must be reformed to make the financing more accessible and equitable"

"It is only through collective action that we can ensure a sustainable future for all"

"May we all embrace the spirit of Nkwe and let us run together with accelerated speed towards our shared goals and ensure that no one is left behind"

"I was around 23 when my family and I became fully aware of my condition. It was confusing at first, but with time and support, I learnt to accept it as a part of who I am rather than something that defines or limits me"

"But it has also taught me empathy, patience and strength in ways that I don’t think I would’ve discovered otherwise"

"It’s [disability] given me a deep appreciation for progress, not perfection, and it’s allowed me to connect with others who feel unseen or underestimated"

"I had to unlearn society’s narrow definition of beauty and learn to see myself through a kinder, more loving lens. Once I realised that my body tells a story of strength, not struggle, I began to wear my disability with pride and grace"

"Whenever I went to town, people would say: ‘Where is she going using a wheelchair? Why doesn’t she stay at home"

"When I go to offices or big buildings, I find they don’t comply - there are no ramps, and they don’t have toilets for people using wheelchairs. I overcame that by proving, through action and determination, that I am more than my physical limitations"

"Growing up, I didn’t see many people who looked like me represented in the media or pageantry. I wanted to be that representation for someone else"

"It’s the courage to show up as yourself — flaws, scars, and all — and still radiate confidence. True beauty isn’t about fitting in; it’s about embracing what makes you stand out"

"I plan to advocate for accessibility, inclusion and education. I want to partner with organisations that support youth with disabilities and create empowerment programmes that build confidence and leadership skills. My goal is to turn visibility into action — to make sure people with disabilities are not just seen but heard and valued"

"The election does not hold any force of effect."

"I still firmly believe that I am the legitimate president of the BPF, and that’s why we have also filed for a judicial review regarding my expulsion. My case is clear; I was expelled without a hearing. We anticipate the judgment to be released soon, as they (the Reatile faction) have failed to submit their notice of defense."

"We will be touring all constituencies, starting with Nata this Saturday. The objective is to update our members on our future plans and gather feedback from them as we gear up for 2024."

"The rumours reached me last weekend when I was in Shakwe. There were about 10 of us. We had wanted to kill a goat but ended up killing two chickens for lunch because we did not have money yet my detractors are saying the meeting was sponsored by BDP."

"I am not cheap.Half a million pula is peanuts!"

"They expected me to keep quiet and go away but I will not. They are scared to call the congress so that we go for election because they know I would win so they want to frustrate me so that I resign. Some even say I am a tribalist."

"If I stay I am sponsored, I go I am sponsored, so I am not going anywhere."

"Because I just want those two people. They cheated me in the primaries, trying to humiliate me, replacing me with an illiterate, who cannot even count up to 10."

"When this evil party realised I was going to win the case, I was suspended for six months, so that the six months come after the elections even if I had won. Anyway, October is coming. I am going to dismantle the BDP in Tati West and in the whole country with every ounce of my power. The reason why I am saying this is that these people are evil."

"It seems like we didn’t do enough the last time. I am going back. I plead with Batswana from the bottom of my heart; if they allow themselves to vote this evil party again…, I have respect for Batswana. I know that they (BDP) will not even reach 10 seats. I prophesy, I speak a curse on your party sir."

"Well, I am not interested in whether you go to my constituency and do whatever you want to do, I am not interested because I know the cause of your anger, and all Batswana know the cause, you are going to be the first person to lose in your constituency. Bear with me, I will be here and you will be out. You have also declared that you will be getting all your goods and leaving the country. We do not mind."

"Every time I enter a place to talk to business people to try and ask for funds, the DIS will follow and ask, ‘What was Butale doing here."

"Where you talk about declaration of assets and the only person who will have access to that register is the Director of Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), we are starting on a wrong footing. The current regime has abused state institutions. They have abused Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) and Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS)."

"I am sorry, you have opened my eyes, and I did not know what they were doing to you people’."

"My main problem is with the current leadership of the BDP, starting with the President and the Vice President. That is where my problem is, that is why I was in Boteti, to explain that we are giving you (pointing to Tsogwane) notice, you are out. If these two can win, I am telling you my heart will be so sore."

"I never pointed a finger at him and other people who were present at that meeting can vouch for me."

"The cases of Shashe and Sexaxa residents in Maun are living examples of what Land Boards are making people go through, and relocations looming in these areas. The law shouldn’t give Land Boards too much powers and end up with instances where land previously allocated by chiefs is not recognised."

"Land Boards don’t respect what they were set up to stand for. Their key mandate is to ensure land security in local hands, but they have since failed to live to that mandate."

"Govt should stop giving our land in Ngami to the whites. We are now even beggars in our own rich tourism land. You are stealing from us – you the BDP govt and your White friends."

"Why are we being made a part of their feud? Why can’t they keep it to themselves without letting the public know that they are rejecting his requests?"

"If you don’t give him reasons, he will continue to put forward the same requests."

"There are people with hidden agendas so at times you just have to starve them of something to use against you. You will find yourself arguing with someone on Facebook unbeknown to you this person is just an imbecile."

"We drink to get buzzed so if you drink then go all out and if you don’t drink, then just don’t."

"People always want to talk politics all day and night and I just can’t cope. I blame this impatience of quitting alcohol because back then I gelled easily."

"It has always been my desire to turn my life around when I reach 50 years of age but as fate would have it, the gastric ailment accelerated that resolution."

"My priority was on land so it’s about time a new leader with different priorities comes in. I have escalated the issue of land distribution in Ngamiland with President Ian Khama who told me that his hands were tied while the then Minister of Lands Lebonaamang Mokalake said the issues I was raising were overtaken by events."

"I am very close to both Galaletsang Mhapha and Moalosi Sebati both of whom I hear want to take over from me and as such I will not take sides with anyone of them."

"Dikgosi have now been turned into sheriffs we see in western movies. I wouldn’t say power is what I’m calling for in Bogosi but I’m of the view government has stripped dikgosi of their many functions."

"Communal property must be protected. Even the late Sir Seretse Khama spoke of the importance of communal property. While I am not against the concept of Land Boards, I’m only worried that communal land is now being nationalised."

"Oh yes that one will be taken care of."

"It would be amiss of me if I could end my remarks without talking about the issues that are of serious concern to the government, parents as well as teachers. These issues include teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. These three issues in particular are the worst enemies of every teenager"

"It further fostered the establishment of the Botswana Council for Disabled as a government supported NGO to facilitate and coordinate the activities of Disabled Persons Organisation."

"This has more recently been reflected in government’s establishment of the Disability Coordinating Office in 2010 to specifically coordinate the implementation of the Disability Policy."

"As you know Botswana Democratic Party has so many members, some were awarded before, some were awarded this year and some will be awarded in the future."

"Back in 2017 when I was an MP, I realised that learners in our schools did not have school uniforms including shoes. Some walked to school on bare foot so I approached this company, World Group of Companies and asked them to help out."

"In total we have donated to 18 primary schools since 2021, mostly in Ngami and Maun West. When Maun residents saw what we were doing in Ngami, they approached me and asked that we do the same for learners in Maun as well and we agreed, as this is for the best interest of young learners and nothing else."

"Surprisingly the same government struck business deals with companies owned by people who could not speak the English language fluently, let alone write it."

"This country could be awash with scientifically trained personnel who would boost our ailing economy. But because of the ruling party’s bad policy choices our fellow citizens are languishing in poverty and a state of helplessness. That was very cruel and evil to Batswana."