Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe recently extended profound commendations to the dedicated staff of the Parliament of Botswana and Ntlo Ya Dikgosi, acknowledging their selflessness and unwavering commitment to national service. These remarks were delivered during a Christmas party hosted by the staff in Tlokweng on December 17. Mr. Gaolathe specifically thanked the Parliament staff for their crucial role in strengthening Botswana's democracy and for fostering a spirit of unity as the year concluded. He emphasized the sacrifices made, including precious family time, highlighting that true leadership, though often thankless, is recognized and valued.

The event, which underscored a strong sense of national pride and unity, saw the attendance of several Members of Parliament, dikgosi, and other notable public figures. Vice President Gaolathe also took the opportunity to acknowledge significant contributions made by various MPs in Parliament. He specifically praised the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Dumelang Saleshando, for his vision and courage in offering alternative views and opinions within the House, underscoring Botswana's embrace of diverse perspectives.

Adding to the commendations, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Dithapelo Keorapetse, applauded the staff for successfully navigating significant changes and thriving throughout the year. He attributed their success to a steadfast commitment to excellence and a strong capacity for teamwork. Mr. Keorapetse noted that despite challenges such as limited resources, outdated systems, and structural hurdles, their focus on high performance yielded impressive results.

Through collective effort, the staff achieved several milestones, demonstrating a strong commitment to reform. The primary objective of these endeavors has been to strengthen parliamentary governance and oversight, ultimately enhancing the independence, democracy, and development of Botswana. These achievements were made possible through strategic partnerships, for which humility and gratitude were expressed. Mr. Keorapetse also highlighted that 2024 marks 60 years of parliamentary democracy in Botswana, describing Parliament as the foundational bedrock of the country's democratic system for the past six decades. He stressed the importance of recognizing the enduring contributions of both past and present Members of Parliament and Dikgosi, who have tirelessly served the nation.