Local Government and Traditional Affairs Minister Ketlhalefile Motshegwa say executive management under his ministry, including councils, who are not performing and are not aligned with the vision of the government should pave the way for performers.
Speaking during the Council Chairpersons and Mayors’ Forum in Selebi-Phikwe on Tuesday, Motshegwa said for him, his assistant, and the team to take the ministry to greater heights, they require support, specifically regarding the employment and retention of the executive management of the ministry and councils.
According to him, the executive needs to consist of professionals who are focused, result-oriented, creative, innovative, transformational, and hardworking for the success of the country.
“So, when we bring names for the removal of those who don’t perform, let the OP [Office of the President] be quick to act, and when we bring names for those who we believe will drive the vision with distinction, the OP must also be quick to act,” Motshegwa pleaded with President Duma Boko.
He indicated that they do not want to shift blame when they are held accountable, noting that he also subjects himself to being answerable to the President and the people of Botswana.
“If I as the minister and my assistant don’t perform, the President must fire us. And if my executives don’t perform, I will seek the process from the OP to fire them, so that we are all required to have a culture of accountability and performance,” the minister requested.
Earlier on, Motshegwa stated that in order for the country to transform and prosper, it yearns at all levels for effective, impactful, transformational, and agile leadership.
“The question to you is whether you fit into this framework, and you must all aspire to do so. It is necessary that you strive for a transformative approach to productivity,” stated the minister.
Motshegwa emphasized that the country requires the council leadership to lead with morality, honour, probity, and stewardship. He urged for their leadership virtues to manifest in great dedication to public service, adding that they bear the responsibility of commitment to effective leadership and service excellence.
“An unparalleled reputation for service excellence requires that you must be nimble and agile,” said Motshegwa, adding that they have an obligatory duty to act in the best interest of the councils, the government, and the people of this country.
He stressed that the country must cultivate a new generation of visionary leaders to navigate present and possible future challenges.
“Let us make decisions in our responsibilities, and they must be good and moral decisions. Effective and good leaders step forward, make clear choices, and provide direction for their teams,” Motshegwa advised.
