Africa-Press – Botswana. Tsabong district leadership recently convened for a crucial consultation meeting, marking a significant step in the preparation of the upcoming National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12).
The event, officiated by Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, underscored the government’s commitment to a participatory and inclusive approach to national development, with a strong emphasis on improved service delivery and decentralisation.
The Minister outlined that the consultations would mainly focus on gathering local insights, needs, and priorities to ensure that NDP 12 effectively addresses the specific challenges and opportunities within the Tsabong district.
This, he said, aligned with the broader national strategy of adopting a bottom-up approach, emphasising the importance of grassroots perspectives in shaping national policy.
Mr Mohwasa, in his address, placed significant emphasis on the critical need for enhanced service delivery across the nation. He stressed that the NDP 12 must prioritise initiatives that directly improve the lives of citizens in all regions, including remote areas such as Tsabong.
A key strategy highlighted by the minister to achieve this was decentralisation. “Decentralisation is the key to unlocking meaningful development in our remote areas, by empowering local authorities and ensuring resources are effectively distributed, we can foster progress and address the unique needs of each district,” he stated.
Furthermore, the minister challenged the district leadership to elevate their standards and set the bar high in their respective roles. He urged them to adopt a proactive and ambitious approach to development within their communities.
In a call for innovation and personal growth, minister Mohwasa also encouraged leaders to be creative. He emphasised the importance of developing novel solutions to local challenges and continuously striving for personal and professional development to effectively lead their communities.
He explained that the NDP 12, scheduled for implementation in November 2025, followed the extension of the Seventh Month Extension of the Second Transitional National Development Plan (TNDP), which would remain in effect until October 2025.
This extension allows the new administration sufficient time to incorporate the diverse inputs gathered from consultations across the country, he said.
Key themes discussed during the Tsabong consultation included the importance of aligning local projects with national priorities, the involvement of youth in the planning process, and the need for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders.
Mr Mohwasa further stressed that the government reiterated that while local inputs were essential, the overall direction of NDP 12 must contribute to the nation’s broader development goals.
The consultation also highlighted the role of the newly established Advisory Council, led by Vice President Mr. Ndaba Gaolathe, in overseeing the critical preparation process.
This council brings together key ministers and private sector leaders to ensure a comprehensive and strategic approach to national development.
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