Africa-Press – Botswana. Founded in 1925 in Germany as a tribute to the country’s first democratically elected president, Mr Friedrich Ebert, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Botswana celebrated its centenary on Thursday at its Gaborone office.
The German political foundation, is renowned for its commitment to promoting social justice and democracy.
With operations in over 100 countries and a presence in Botswana since 1973, FES has become a formidable force in democratic development and political empowerment.
Speaking during the event, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse praised FES for its enduring partnership in preserving democracy and fostering development, qualities he said Botswana exemplified, most notably in the peaceful transition of power during last year’s general elections.
“But we still have a long way to go. As it stands, less than 10 per cent of Parliament is made up of women and issues of corruption in high offices have eroded public trust,” said Mr Keorapetse and emphasised that Botswana’s democratic principles had earned the nation its reputation for peace and stability.
He stressed the importance of protecting these ideals to ensure that legislation continued to serve the people.
Reflecting on Friedrich Ebert’s legacy, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Botswana, Ms Gabriela Bennemann quoted his famous call for peace: “the future must belong to international reconciliation and the international community. The path to this goal is long and difficult, but we must not despair.”
She affirmed the relevance of Ebert’s vision in today’s geopolitical climate. “We must all reach out in reconciliation between countries and people if we want to build a better future amidst the current global political situation,” she said. “And FES is here to help us do just that.”
The ambassador also applauded FES for its Youth Leadership Training Programme, which had produced dynamic young leaders who carried the organisation’s core values into their communities, particularly democracy, social integration, and inclusive education.
FES resident representative, Mr Thilo Schöne expressed gratitude to attendees for honouring the occasion, with special thanks to the Government of Botswana for its decades-long partnership.
“Be assured that my team and I will continue to do everything we can to advance social democracy. We stand with you as representatives of the oldest and largest German foundation in Botswana,” he affirmed.
Mr Schöne added that FES was not merely another international NGO seeking to assist in Africa but one rooted in the promotion of democracy, at home and abroad.
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