During the official opening of the Rural Development Council (RDC) orientation workshop held this morning in Gaborone, Acting President Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe delivered a powerful message calling for a renewed and results-driven approach to rural development in Botswana.
Describing the RDC as a dedicated task force with a clear and urgent mission, Mr. Gaolathe emphasized that the time has come to shift from rhetoric to tangible action. He urged council members to see the orientation not as a formality or a routine revisit of outdated mandates, but as a strategic turning point in Botswana’s efforts to eradicate poverty, drive local development, and restore dignity to rural communities.
“This orientation is not about ticking boxes,” he declared. “It is a call to action—an opportunity to confront rural stagnation with fresh determination and rebuild our country from the village level up.”
Mr. Gaolathe highlighted the need for the RDC to evolve in both purpose and performance. He called for practical implementation of plans and policies that directly improve the lives of people in rural areas. According to the Acting President, this means moving beyond surface-level solutions and focusing instead on meaningful programs that foster self-sufficiency, economic opportunity, and inclusive growth.
He also acknowledged the broader global challenges currently facing nations across the world—from economic instability to climate uncertainty. However, he expressed strong confidence in Botswana’s ability to rise above these hurdles. “Despite global uncertainties, Botswana has a strategic advantage—an opportunity to chart its own path toward sustainable growth, grounded in its cultural strength, democratic values, and untapped rural potential,” he said.
The RDC orientation workshop marks a renewed chapter for rural development initiatives in Botswana, bringing together various stakeholders committed to ensuring that no village or community is left behind. With this renewed energy, the government aims to transform rural spaces into thriving, empowered regions that contribute meaningfully to national progress.
As the workshop continues, the spotlight remains firmly on action, accountability, and the creation of real impact for rural citizens. Under the guidance of leaders like Mr. Gaolathe, the Rural Development Council is expected to play a key role in redefining how development is envisioned and executed across Botswana.
