President Duma Gideon Boko today presided over the official swearing-in of three distinguished jurists to Botswana’s highest appellate court. The new judges—Justice Tshepo Motswagole, Justice Michael Leburu, and Justice Lot Moroka—took their oaths in a solemn ceremony that marks a significant moment in the country’s judicial calendar.
The ceremony, held in Gaborone, was attended by members of the judiciary, legal fraternity, and government officials. It highlighted not only the importance of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law but also the weight of responsibility that comes with serving at the apex of the judicial system.
Delivering a compelling keynote address, President Boko spoke passionately about the sanctity of the legal profession and the moral burden carried by those who interpret the law. “Becoming a judge is not just a job,” he stated. “It is a calling—one that is tested by rigorous ethical and professional standards.”
He went on to explain that admission to the legal profession is not merely a matter of academic qualification. “You may have read law and earned the degree,” he said, “but there is a deeper assessment—an evaluation of character and conduct—to determine if you are fit and proper. That decision often lies in the hands of judges, and now, that responsibility lies with you.”
President Boko emphasized the continuous obligation of judges to uphold justice and ethical integrity, reminding the newly sworn-in justices that the profession is governed by strict codes of conduct. “There are protocols on how you must behave so that you remain in the profession. And if you fall short, you will be offloaded,” he warned candidly.
In a philosophical moment that captured the gravitas of the occasion, the President remarked, “They are not final because they are infallible. They are infallible because they are final. Because they are the final instance. Beyond them, there is little to know.”
Adding a touch of irony and literary flair, President Boko cited Shakespeare: “Justice, even if the heavens fall. As Shakespeare says, ‘The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.’ I shall lead you to that office.”
He concluded by thanking the judges for their service and expressing confidence in their ability to dispense justice with wisdom, fairness, and unwavering integrity.
The appointment of Justices Motswagole, Leburu, and Moroka is seen as a reinforcement of Botswana’s strong judicial tradition and commitment to the rule of law. Their swearing-in comes at a time when public trust in judicial independence remains a cornerstone of the country’s democratic framework.
