Your Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. Two days ago when I made a presentation of panels I gave a brief account of my preoccupations since I retired from the Presidency. As I indicated, it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to leading a normal life.
2. To me a normal life is that which I consider free of restrictions on one's civil liberties—a life that is free of prescriptions on protocols of behaviour. I was eager to participate in the traditional rituals that sustained my forbearers and the founding fathers of the nation of Botswana.
3. It was all wishful thinking that I would do all the things I thought I would do. Instead, I have been engaged in other activities that I never contemplated I would be involved with.
4. In response to the question: What Specific Roles Can Former Leaders Play?—I am aware that my colleagues are similarly engaged in other programmes with the same purpose to promote the well-being of the citizens—of not only our countries, but also those of the whole world.
5. As former leaders, I believe we all have a role to play in the great drama of human development and the challenges that it faces. We have the responsibility to use our collective wisdom—and very exclusive experience—to help our citizens to derive maximum benefit from the unfolding opportunities; but which, for a variety of reasons, they may not be aware of.
6. In many countries around the continent—in villages, communities and neighbourhoods—ordinarily people talk about the changes they are experiencing in their own lives as a result of the new economic order. They hear about the G8, the IMF, and the Millennium Development Goal. But they do not understand how all these elegant-sounding initiatives are supposed to improve their lives.
7. Not many may have had the opportunity to get an explanation from their elected governments how globalisation is going to help them. Their concerns about their economic and social realities may NOT reach the representatives of governments they may have elected. To them, life in the tribal village was more supportive with its traditional social safety nets than in the global village.
8. You and I may be aware that, while globalization is deemed to have dangers and an ugly dark side, it can also bring tremendous opportunities and benefits to the society. Just as capitalism requires a network of governing systems to keep it from devouring societies, globalization also requires vigilance and the rule of law.
9. But, still among us, there are those to whom Globalization is like snow. It can present a beautiful panorama of co-operation and trade among all the nations of the earth. Yet, beneath that snow there can be hidden drifts of social discords and economic inequalities. As former leaders, we can help in explaining this panoramic view. We have to decide whether or not we will use the snow ploughs or rely on the pick-and-shovel to clear the way, or even make a detour to reach our destination. However, we should make it our responsibility for all our people to travel the road of prosperity.
10. In this regard, former leaders can be advocates. They can assume the voices of the people, play the advocacy role and participate in the governance of society.
11. Former leaders can promote good governance—as an essential prerequisite for the eradication of poverty. Just as the absence of poverty is essential to ensure good governance.
12. Former leaders have
What are the Barriers to Playing an Active Role?
13. It is particularly noteworthy; however, that on their own, former leaders may not be able to do certain things that are considered the responsibilities of incumbent political leaders.
14. Surely, when I was the President, I welcomed advice and constructive criticism. But I also had the boldness to show the door to anyone whom I considered to be interfering or being an irritant.
15. Furthermore, being retired, we certainly are not in control of the resources of the state. Therefore, sometimes, as HE President Chissano illustrated during his intervention on Observer Missions and Elections Standards, our goodwill missions may tend to serve more the interests of our sponsors.
What are the Fora to Put Experience to Use for Democratic Development and Public Service?
16. In Botswana we have a traditional system called Kgotla. This is a place where the chief called people for consultation on important tribal issues. It is also a place where people felt that their needs could be met, whether it was a case of getting married, or divorcing, or the siblings wanted to settle a misunderstanding among themselves, or inheritance, or a matter of a dispute about land. If an issue was troublesome, people would say, "We will meet at the Kgotla," since that is where things could be settled.
17. Circumstances have changed now. Like the various fora for former leaders, the kgotla still serves a useful purpose in the society because we have tried to retain the positive aspects of this age-old tradition. In our approach to improvement to tradition, we came with our own experiences and sense of what needed to change.
18. In a similar manner, I think we should review the number of organisations that the former leaders are members of - or expected to become their members. These are many, and I think they should be rationalised. Under the circumstances, it is, perhaps, pertinent that the Club of Madrid initiates the rationalisation by making an inventory of all organisations according to their focus, needs, and opportunities.
19. For reasons of efficiency, and for effective management of our business, it is important that we avoid duplication of effort by discussing the same issues in different meetings of former leaders. We also need to avoid a multiplicity of membership to organisations - especially in view of the resource constraints and competing demands on our time.
20. I thank you, Your Excellencies.