Africa-Press – Botswana. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has honoured 48 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the nation’s development.
The President presented the awards to the recipients during the Botswana Honours and Awards 2024 on Sunday.
The awards and honours categories were: Naledi Ya Botswana (NYB), the Presidential Order of Honour (PH), the Presidential Order of Meritorious Service (PMS), and the Presidential Certificate of Honour (PCH).
Recipients of the Naledi Ya Botswana, awarded for exemplary service to the country, included the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi.
Mr Moagi played a pivotal role as the lead negotiator during the negotiations with De Beers that culminated in a 10-year sales agreement for Debswana’s rough diamond production.
Additionally, members of the 2011 Botswana negotiating team involved in the discussions of a new deal were also celebrated.
They included Mr Eric Molale, Dr Athalia Molokomme, the late Ms Linah Mohohlo, Messrs Solomon Sekwakwa, Gabaake Gabaake, Boikobo Paya and Terence Siamisang.
Members of the Botswana negotiating team with De Beers from June 2023 onwards being Ms Emmah Peloetletse, Ms Mmako Abram, Advocate Abraham Keetshabe, Mr Cornelius Dekop, Mr Moses Pelaelo, Mr Olesitse Masimega, Dr Wilfred Mandlebe, Mr Pelaelo Khowe, Ms Ellen Richard-Madisa, Dr Obolokile Obakeng, Mr Johannes Tsimako and Mr Bame Pule were also pinned with Naledi Ya Botswana.
The Presidential Order of Honour is awarded for efficient and devoted service to the country.
Notably, Ms Peggy Serame, the first woman appointed Minister of Finance, received this award.
Previously, Serame held the position of Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.
Her achievements include participation in the World Bank’s Voice Secondment Programme and recognition as a 2022 nominee for the Women Achievers Awards.
Professor Paul Klotman, president and CEO of the Baylor College of Medicine, was also honoured with the Presidential Order of Honour, as acknowledgement for his role in establishing the Botswana-Baylor Trust in 2003, which led to the opening of Africa’s first pediatric HIV clinic.
His initiative has positively impacted over 39 000 children and family members affected by HIV and AIDS.
Among the recipients of the Presidential Order of Meritorious Service was reigning Miss World Africa, Lesego Chombo.
As the founder of the Lesego Chombo Foundation, she has dedicated her efforts to improving living conditions for families in poverty, seeking to reduce socio-economic disparities between urban and rural communities.
Posthumous honours were awarded to Mr John Leo Kgaboesele, a respected politician known for providing sanctuary to refugees during apartheid. His residence in Lobatse has since become the Samora Machel Museum.
The late Prophet Jacob Mokgweetsi Mokaleng Motswasele, founder of the Spiritual Healing Church, received the Presidential Certificate of Honour for his contribution to spiritual healing and community building, having established 58 church branches across Botswana and Namibia.
Ms Keneilwe Mpuang was among recipients of the Presidential Certificate of Honour. She was honoured for her impactful 36-year teaching career, significantly shaping the lives of young people in her community.
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