Mogae lauds Batswana for peace

Mogae said regardless of whether they were disagreements between government and the people or other politicians, it never got out of hand like in other countries in Africa.

'Even though at times we did not quite see eye-to-eye concerning some issues, we knew talking things out and compromising was the best way to go as compared to some other countries in Africa.

No one burnt buildings or put rocks on the roads so cars could overturn,' he said. Mogae further said that even politicians in this country know the best way to come to an understanding is to talk issues out.

'When it is time for elections, politicians say a lot of things, but at the end of the day, we all know what to do.

We can have several rallies but afterwards we do not go stabbing each other with knives and causing riots.

'That is one thing that our small nation has over all these other countries; peace. We are small but we have the upper hand when it comes to democracy and good governance,' he said. Mogae said that it was important for people to disagree at times, but finding common ground was more important.

Mogae went on to say that what Batswana need to realise is that it takes a lot of time, effort and energy to achieve something good but it takes very little time and effort to destroy it all hence they should try to protect what they have achieved.

'Peace holds the power and wisdom of this nation. Peace and cooperation helped leaders like the first president, Seretse Khama and Sir Ketumile Masire to prosper and I followed in their footsteps,' he stated. The president went on to say that if it stays this way then Batswana had nothing to worry about.

'We have come a long with enviable democracy and I am glad to say other countries seem to be learning from us.

We have had the most peaceful elections since the time of independence until now and that is something to be treasured,' added Mogae.

'There is no leader who can bring peace to the people unless the people want to live in peace,' he added.