The Vice president Slumber Tsogwane in Mozmambique for the SADC

This is indeed a special moment for me and my delegation, we are greatly honoured to be here amongst you, the Botswana flag bearers on an international platform. I would like to associate myself with the message by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi when sending out the first SAMIM contingent, and I quote, “Botswana’s foreign policy reveals that Botswana’s security cannot be achieved without that of her neighbours” end of quote. As such, you are here among other nations not only to protect Botswana’s interests, but also to maintain regional security and promote peaceful coexistence.

I therefore take this opportunity to thank His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Botswana for having accorded us the opportunity to visit your deployment in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique amid other equally demanding government duties. Allow me to also express sincere gratitude to the Minister of Defence and Security, Honourable Thomas Kagiso Mmusi and his staff for having made this visit to the BDF contingent a reality.

Your Minister has indeed been constantly giving Cabinet updates on the progress of the SAMIM operations as well as on your well-being. I am pleased with the positive feedback from SADC and from all levels of the Government of Mozambique for the good work you are doing here and the social responsibility you have extended to the local communities in Cabo Delgado so far. This is a true demonstration of one of our national values of “botho”.

I am informed that since deployment, SAMIM has made a lot of successes towards bringing peace and stability in Cabo Delgado as outlined in various reports we received as Botswana Government. These achievements could not have been realised without a disciplined and motivated force like yourselves. It is for this reason that I had to make time to come and personally witness the ground realities and applaud you here in the battle front.

I am proud that because of you, Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province has become a safer place for the citizens of this country. Your sterling efforts at degrading the terrorists indeed reaffirms your adage that you are Thebe ya Sechaba.

Whilst the physical component, which entails the means to fight is key in this type of operation, the moral component through a well planned personnel welfare programme is also critical as it sustains the morale, courage, loyalty, discipline, integrity and your commitment in attain your end state of defeating terrorism.

Ladies and Gentlemen, terrorism knows no boundaries, the SADC solidarity to assist Mozambique is aimed at preventing the spread of terrorism in the region that may have negative impact on regional integration and socio-economic development.

We have been briefed about the challenges of availability of mission critical capabilities to facilitate the transition to Scenario 5 and ultimate termination of operations. We are however, encouraged that the regional leadership remains committed to avail those resources despite existing economic challenges.

I extended an invitation to Honourable Members of Parliament and Members of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Justice and Security for them to appreciate and boost your morale to continue doing the good work you are doing. I want to assure you that the Government and the people of Botswana are fully behind your mission here.

I would like to express my greatest appreciation to the Members of Parliament of Botswana for their support as demonstrated by unanimously across the political aisle approving supplementary funding of this operation.
I would also like to take this moment to update you on issues at home. The Covid-19 pandemic remains a challenge, however, Government’s intervention through vaccines continues to save lives as you are aware.

I am told you are all fully vaccinated and that is highly commendable, I encourage you to continue taking booster 5 shots as well. Other developments include the reorganisation and realignment of Government Ministries for efficiency and effectiveness. The exercise led to a creation of a new Ministry of Justice and the renaming of your Ministry which is now Ministry of Defence and Security.

Allow me to once again applaud you for the magnificent job you continue to do in the quest for bringing peace in Mozambique. The people of the Republic of Mozambique and the SADC Region will forever be grateful for your sacrifices, which will go a long way in bringing peace and stability to the region.

It is my fervent hope that you will create time amid your operational commitments to interact with my delegation which is made up of our national leadership and representatives.
Let me thank you all for your attention and wish you all the best as you continue representing the Republic of Botswana in SAMIM.