Towards a Safe and Secure Nation: The First Consultative Conference on Firearm Control, Ownership and Administration in Botswana, 13-15 May

Vote of thanks by BOCONGO
Mr P Makgalemele

We feel honoured for having been accorded this honour on behalf of civil society to give a vote of thanks.

The following key issues have been raised by the three key speakers. Mr NS Moleboge informed us that "Botswana's economy is now attracting undesirable elements and these can easily frustrate our efforts of attracting international investors".

Honourable DK Kwelagobe on one hand indicated that this conference is about the development of a framework for collaboration with all stakeholders.

His Excellency the President, Mr FS Mogae, on the other hand points out, "Security issues are not the concern of Police alone".

I therefore, call upon civil society's commitment to Vision 2016 "Towards a Safe and Secure Nation". This is a new area for us as civil society - more so that we are a safe and secure society. As a result we have felt that matters of safety and security are better left to the Police and law enforcement agencies. There has been reluctance on civil society to attend meetings addressing this important impact of sociey. We now realize our role in this endeavour and we need to not only talk of concepts such as cooperation, collaboration, strategic alliance, smart partnership, but indeed to now implement and enhance it in all endeavours.

I thank the Botswana Police Service for its proactiveness and spirit of involvement. It is through such spirit that we can see the realization of our dream "towards a safe and secure nation," Botswana for prosperity for all.