Press Release: President Khama bestows honours; Profiles of 25 awardees

This afternoon His Excellency the President, Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, bestowed the awards of Presidential Order of Honour (PH), Presidential Order of Meritorious Service (PMS), and Presidential Certificate of Honour (PCH) to twenty-two outstanding women and men and three organisations for their varied contributions to the nation.

Each of the above named Presidential Honours is awarded by H.E. the President, acting with the advice of Cabinet in accordance with the provisions of the Botswana Honours Act of 1967 (Chap. 03:06).  In accordance with the Botswana Honours Act schedule, thes aid honours are defined as follows:

The Presidential Order of Honour (PH), being an honour awarded for efficient and devoted service to the Republic of Botswana.

The Presidential Order of Meritorious Service (PMS), being an honour awarded to any person for actions or services benefiting Botswana or any Community or Organisation therein any particular field or sphere and for acts of courage or devotion to duty.

The Presidential Certificate of Honour (PCH), being a certificate awarded for long and faithful service to Botswana.

This year's recipients for each of the above awards were as follows: -

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER OF HONOUR (PH)

1. Mr. Daniel Neo Moroka

2. Mr. Johnie Keemenao Swartz

3. Mr. Edwin Jenamiso Batshu

4. Mr. Riecks Raleigh Morake (Posthumous)

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE (PMS)

1. Mr. Abel Tshepo Monnakgotla

2. Mr. Molefi Sexton Tshidi Kowa

3. Mrs. Mavis Kewakae

4. Mr. Michael Batlhalefeng Gaborone

5. Mr. Lesego Raditanka

6. Choppies Group of Companies

7. Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS)

8. Botswana Police Itshireletse Group

9. Ms. Ludo Mosojane

10. Ms. Nana Mothibi

11. Ms. Gasehetwe Leatswe

PRESIDENTIAL CERTIFICATE OF HONOUR (PCH)

1. Mr. Sedie Modise

2. Mr. Israel Power Kaisara

3. Mr. Mooketsi Mading

4. Mr. Michael Malombo Mmereki (Posthumous) 5. Ms. Annettee Dube 6. Mr. Soccer Moruakgomo 7. Mr. Nelson John Leepile 8. Mr. Maano Charles Kabelo 9. Mr. Phagane Tladi 10. Mrs. Phuti Angelinah Monageng

During today's awards ceremony the recipients and invited guests were entertained by the following individuals and groups: Adante Choir, Ramotswa; Sedibelo Choir, Mochudi; Poet Onkgopotse Manuel, Francistown; Hosana Traditional Song and Dance by Ngwao Letshwao Performing Arts, Gaborone; Solly Sebotso, singer, Letlhakeng; and Contemporary Jazz by Punah Gabasiane, Gaboron.

Below please find profiles for all of today's recipients

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER OF HONOUR (PH)

1) Daniel Neo Moroka (PH)

He has just recently been appointed as one of the county's eminent individuals to form a six member task force responsible for raising funds for Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Trust. Mr. Daniel Neo Moroka has been the Chief Executive Officer and Resident Director of De Beers Holdings Botswana since February 1, 2010. His responsibilities include giving strategic direction including administration, legal and tax matters for all De Beers entities in Botswana.

He served as Agricultural Advisor for Barclays Bank of Botswana and was also involved in retail and corporate banking. Mr. Moroka is a Biologist by profession. He is also a qualified banker with extensive experience in the banking industry. Mr. Moroka started his professional work in the public service in 1980. He has also held various top management positions, including Manager for Retail Banking with Barclays Bank, General Manager for BP Botswana and Commercial Director for BP South Africa. He has been Chairman of FSG Limited since February 1, 2011 and serves as its Director. He was elected as Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi South and was Minister of Trade and Industry of Botswana Government from 2004 to 2009. Mr Moroka has been an Independent Non-Executive Director of Barclays Bank of Botswana Limited since 2010. He also sits on the Board of Diamond Trading Company Botswana and Sefalana Holdings. He served as Director of National Development Bank for three years, Bank of Botswana for 10 years, BP Mozambique, BP Zambia, BP Southern Africa, Botswana Meat Commission (UK) Holdings, London and Botswana as well as the Debswana Diamond Mining Company. He was the winner of the inaugural Bank of Botswana "Banker of the Year" Award in 1990. He holds BSc (Magna Cum Laude) Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology from Texas' A&M University, USA and an MSc, Animal and Range Sciences from New Mexico State University, USA. Mr Moroka played a pivotal role in protecting Botswana's trade with European Union during critical Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations with the European Union, during his time as Minister of Trade and Industry. He is also the founder member of Mokolodi Wildlife Foundation and Kalahari Conservation Society, patron of both entities. He is also patron, of the Kgalagadi South Development Trust, Community Capacity Enhancement and Empowerement Society. He is currently Chairman of the Botswana Innovation Hub Company.

2) Edwin Jenamiso Batshu (PH)

Mr Edwin Jenamiso Batshu has been in the police service for close to forty years, making him undoubtedly one of the longest serving officers in the country. He has been on every wrung of the ladder within the Botswana Police Service, having joined in 1970, as a constable and retired in 2007 as a Commissioner. He was the third Motswana to head Botswana Police Service since independence, the first being Mr Simon Hirschfeld followed by Mr Norman Moleboge. When he took over from his predecessor, Mr Moleboge he insisted on transforming the police into an approachable community service that looked and perceived the community as clients who had to be served and respected. It was during his tenure that the police service introduced a special constable cadre. After his retirement from Botswana Police Services in 2007, Mr Batshu joined politics and became Member of Parliament for Nkange in 2009. He is currently the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs. He has also acted as Minister of Justice, Defence and Security in 2011. Mr Batshu was a Member of SADC Parliamentry Forum Executive Committee from 2009-2011. He is former vice president of Botswana Football Association (1991-1992).

3) Johnnie Kenanao Swartz (PH)

Mr Johnnie Kenanao Swartz is the Member of Parliament for Ghanzi North. He became interested in politics immediately after resigning from the public service where he worked as a social worker. When he left the civil service, his main aim was to go into farming business but deviated into politics.

Born in 1955, Mr Swartz grew up in Ghanzi with his parents. He did his primary education in his home village until he, in 1970, decided to help his parents in the farming business. At some time, he decided to further his education and did his junior secondary learning through correspondence between 1972-1973. In 1975, Mr Swartz took a break in farming and did an intensive training in social work. Upon finishing in 1977, he joined the Ghanzi District Council as a social worker. He only worked for six years and resigned to go back to farming before he became very much involved in politics and eventually becoming a full time politician. He was elected the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) branch secretary for Ghanzi Township. After the 1984 general elections, Mr Swartz was nominated a councillor under the BDP ticket and became the chairman of the Ghanzi District Council until 1987 when he contested the parliamentary seat after the death of the area MP, Henry Jankie. After the 1989 general elections, Mr Swartz was appointed Minister of Agriculture by former president Mr Festus Mogae. He was later transferred to the ministry of Works, Transport and Communications (now works and transport). He is currently, the Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology.

4) Riecks Raleigh Morake (PH)

Raleigh Rieks Morake, who passed away January 2012, was born in 1932 in Kanye, and was educated in South Africa. Morake begun work as a teacher at Mabule Primary School in the early 1960s. Apart from his work as a teacher, he composed music for the school choir, which won them regional musical competitions. Because of his musical exploitation Morake was recruited to the then Department of Information and Broadcasting, and worked with national radio pioneers such as Moreri Gabakgore, Nonnie Pilane, Batho Molema, Kgosietsile Mmamapilo and those who came later, such as Esther Kanaimba, Philip Moshotle, Margaret Modise and Grace Olsen. He presented the 'Chuchumakgala' choral music show, the forerunner to the modern day Radio Botswana show 'Melodi ya Pina' and he was also the anchor of the Debswana Knockout Quiz. Morake is perhaps best known for his music compositions, including 'Badiri Ba Seromamowa Sa Botswana' (the song that officially opens Radio Botswana every morning), and the signature tunes of programmes such as 'Pitso ya Balemi.'

Morake worked with Molema in recording and documenting Botswana musical composition during the early years of independence, and in the 1970s. During President Sir Seretse Khama's state visit to Korea, a Korean musical ensemble sung Morake's Setswana works, including an ode to President Khama, 'Dintlenyane tsa Botswana.'

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER OF MERITORIOUS (PMS)

5) Abel Tshepo Monnakgotla (PMS)

Mr Abel Tshepo Monnakgotla fits the description of "a self made businessman." Born on the 30th August 1970 in Botshabelo, South Africa, Monnakgotla came to Botswana at a tender age of three when his parents, Otsile and Mmapula Monnakgotla came in pursuit of Otsile's father, Mr Thomas Monnakgotla. The elderly Monnakgotla had relocated with the new capital town, Mafikeng to Lobatse and finaly Gaborone. Eversince then, Gaborone has been home to the young Abel Monnakgotla since 1973. Monnakgotla is well known locally for his business acumen, especially in the transport industry. Before his venture into the business industry, Monnakgotla and his wife Talita, started an informal business in the public transport sector with one combi in 1999. The combi pushed them into registering a company called AT&T Monnakgotla Transport in July 2000, with the name of the company derived from their names, Abel Tshepo and Talita. The company grew into a group of Companies under the Monnakgotla banner and today, that group of companies include AT&T Monnakgotla Travel & Tour, AT&T Travel, AT&T Insurance Brokers, Macheng Investments and AT&T Gas. In total, these companies employ over 150 Batswana, which is a great deal considering the amount of unemployment in the country. Before he ventured into business, Monnakgotla, who is a qualified Telecommunications Engineer, worked at Botswana Tecommunications Corporation (BTC) from 1990 until 2004. He then resigned to join forces with his wife in growing Monnakgotla companies. Monnakgotla companies have actively supported charity in various forms such as sponsoring different school activities, church activities and sports organisations like the Zebras supporters club. The company has been the official transporter to several premier league teams such as Township Rollers, Gaborone United and Extension Gunners. AT&T Monnakgotla is the current BFA Women's league sponsor. He has actively participated in BOCCIM as the Transport Sector Chairperson and is the founding chairperson of the Botswan!

 a Road T

ransport Society. He was a board member of the Bosetu Funeral Scheme and is currently the deputy chair of Masiela Trust Fund. Monnakgotla is the chairperson of the Emmanuel Parish (Gaborone) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa and also chaired the Botswana Telecommunications Authority Technical Advisory Committee on the country code top level domain .

6) Matshidiso Sexton Kowa (PMS)

Matshidiso Sexton Kowa, 57, is one of the few football professionals the country has ever had. Football has been part of his life from childhood having played at the age of 15, as a goalkeeper for the national team in 1970. He attended Molefi Senior Secondary School where he and others grouped themselves to form Mochudi Centre Chiefs. At the age of 20, he led the club to its promotion from the second division to the premier league. Sexton, as he is affectionately called by soccer fanatics, obtained his preliminary coaching badge under Heinz Marotzke at the age of 21, becoming the youngest Motswana coach. He was the national goalkeeper until 1984. His national team debut was against Zambia KK11. He is a qualified coach with a Diploma 'A' license FIFA Instructor's course. As a development coach, he has produced national team players including Sekhana Koko, Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele and Vincent Phiri who have played for the Zebras. One of his noteworthy contributions was when he led Centre Chiefs to first division in 1975 as a player. He has also led Uniao Flamengo Desportos to the Premier League as owner and coach. Development of football has always been his passion and while with Mochudi Centre Chiefs he nurtured great players in the likes of Daniel Tau, Rhyder Sekobye, Rhee Mpete, Louis Tlhowe, Jerry Phetlhe, Ezekiel Mooki and others.

After the formation of Flamengo, he started a youth programme that produced many great players such as Robson Konzapi, Dunga Tlhobogang, Sekhana Koko, Gianini Tamato, Baggio Hlabano and until recently Bakang Moeng, Veron Ngele, Bai Zichale, Joel Olerile and Vincent Phiri. He has also produced coaches of repute such as Daniel Tau, David Bright, Oris Radipotsane and Shadow Mogapaesi.

7) Mavis Kewakae (PMS)

Ms Mavis Kewakae is a champion caregiver in Botswana having founded the Botswana Retired Nurses Society (BORNUS), a non-governmental organisation.

The society has played a significant role in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention and care, as well as orphans and vulnerable children. She has been been its Director since its formation seven years ago. She contributed significantly to the development in the acceleration of rural health services, a project co-funded by the Government of Botswana and the Government of Norway. She was the first Motswana nurse employed by SADC with a mandate to establish village health committees. Ms Kewakae has a noteworthy contribution towards the integrated health services. In 1975 she became the first Motswana nurse to be employed by the South East District Council to work with a Norwegian Doctor in the program of Rural Health Services Acceleration. A retired civil servant with qualification in General Nursing and Midwifery, Ms Kewakae worked for central government for 14 years and 12 years for Local Government.

8) Michael Spokes Gaborone (PMS)

More than a decade ago, Michael Batlhalefeng Gaborone had to make one of the most difficult choices of his career. He was a renowned football coach at the time, drilling the national U20 team. Coaching was very close to his heart, yet the Batlokwa tribe wanted him to ditch football and take his rightful place at the Tlokweng kgotla as Mothusa-Kgosi. On the morning of 12th June 2000 he made a difficult decision to choose bogosi over football. He had to shed off the playful name of Spokes for the more respectable one of Kgosi Gaborone. Despite his no nonsense attitude as a kgosi, Gaborone is more associated with sport than the kgotla. At a Professional level, Gaborone has a Basic Administration Course (BIAC CAF High level Coaching Course and the FA International Coaching Licence). He spent most of his career coaching the national junior teams. Gaborone led the National U17 football team, the Diamond Zebras in qualifying for Mali finals in 1995. He also contributed to the growth and development of the current senior national team as he was involved in their coaching from U17 through to U20 and U23 levels. Before he took to coaching, Gaborone was a football player, having played for Black Peril Football Club when it was in the super league from 1972 to 1984. He was among a number of Batswana who had a stint with the old National Premier Soccer League in South Africa when he played for the Vaal Professional Football Club. He attended several coaching course, notable amongst these being a four months coaching course in Germany. He is also a qualified referee. His contribution in his other 'calling' include contributing immensely to achieving stability in mmuso wa Tlokweng as Mothusa Kgosi. He joined the public service in 1978 working for the departments of immigration, culture and sports and the Ministry of Home Affairs until 1995.

9) Lesego Raditanka (PMS)

Ask when he is intending to call it a day, he rhetorically asks "where do I retire to because people are retiring to join politics, should I retire from politics and go to find an office job?" Though he is a trained Mechanist fitter from Serowe Brigade, politics has been his passion. Many describe him as a revered politician who puts the interest of those he is representing at the forefront. Despite that he was relatively young when he completed his training, he never got a chance to work because the Botswana Democratic Party elders asked him to be the party organiser in Serowe. His reward was a paltry P100. This was a big sacrifice given that he could have gotten a well paying job from De-beers or the Botswana Defence Force. He started his political journey in 1975 with the BDP as a youth activist and was part of the delegation that made sure that the youth wing gets recognised. In 1978 he was elected as the party secretary for Serowe North and a year later he joined his comrades at the council chambers up to date. He was elected the Chairman of Serowe/Palapye Sub-District from 1999 until 2004. In 2004 to date he took over the reigns of Council Chairmanship. He served in various council committees such as Education, Physical Planning and staff committees. He has also sat in different boards including the Serowe Subland Board, Serowe Brigade Board, Mannathoko CJSS Board and Ramokanyane CJSS Board. He is one of the founders of the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Raditanka was the leader of a delegation represented the country at an international conference in the USSR in 1982, went on a benchmarking misssion in South Somerset in England and represented the country in North Korea.

10) Choppies Group of Companies (PMS)

Choppies supermarket started with one shop called Wayside Supermarket in Lobatse in 1986. The name 'Choppies' was derived from the surname of the Chopdat family who were also known as the Choppies Boys of Lobatse and thus this name was used for the outlets. The founding members of Choppies are Mr Farouk Ismail and Mr Ramachandaran Ottapath who are also the major shareholders. In 1999 Choppies had only 2 stores and today it holds 30% of Botswana's markets share. In the year 2003 Choppies was consolidated into one structure, before then it was different franchises operating under different names. However, on 26 January 2012, Choppies became a listed entity on the Botswana Stock Exchange enabling members of the public to buy shares. Choppies has 51 outlets in Botswana and 13 outlets in South Africa and has continued to grow aggressively since the year 2000. Choppies is the most widely held public company in Botswana with almost 5 000 shareholders and this goes to show the tremendous support by the public for the brand. Choppies has the highest value and most successful public listing in the corporate history of Botswana. Choppies has also received Professional Management Review (Africa) awards in the years 2011 and 2012 for their continued contribution to the economic growth and development of Botswana. Choppies was recognised by Invest Northwest for their contribution in the South African economy. Choppies currently has an aggressive expansion strategy focused on South Africa with a target of 150 shops and opening of more shops in the SADC region, looking forward to an exciting and fruitful future. Currently the chain supermarket employs over 400 Batswana countrywide, 140 of whom are handicapped individuals. It participates in many projects by government and the President, as part of its social responsibility which further add value to the country at large and adds P600 million per annum to the economy of Botswana. Choppies is a major contributor to the Lady Khama Charitable Trust as well as the sponsor a !

 child in

itiative.

11) The Kalahari Conservation Society (PMS)

The Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS) is a nongovernmental organisation inaugurated in 1982 by the then President of Botswana, His Excellency, Sir Ketumile Masire. Initially formed in recognition of the environmental pressures being placed upon Botswana's wildlife and habitats, the society has subsequently evolved into one addressing a diverse range of environmental issues - a strategic and holistic approach encompassing wildlife and biodiversity conservation, community based natural resource management projects, sustainable development, as well as sustainable agriculture and latterly, water resource and waste water management. KCS is a membership-based organisation, funded by annual member subscription as well as by domestic, regional and international grant support and donations. During its 30-year history, the society has maintained excellent relations with the government and a level of dialogue on environmental issues which has attracted considerable respect for the Society. Giving leverage to environmental issues, KCS has also formed many working partnerships with numerous conservation organisations locally and internationally. It remains a key facilitator for wildlife and conservation projects established in support of government initiatives to promote the protection of Botswana's rich biodiversity and the responsible and sustainable use of its natural resources. The society has managed projects worth over P70 million since its inception. These have included a European Union sponsored equipment purchase project for the Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre in Maun and P4 million towards its construction by DEBEERS and DEBSWANA, participation in the development of the Okavango Sengu river basin strategic action program sponsored by UNDP, the P1.2 million Local Government (LoGo) Water Action Programme for the Limpopo river basin, the US$2.8 million Every River Has Its People Project in the Okavango river basin, P3 million for promoting and improving the capacities of African Civil Society Orga!

 nisation

s in Sanitation and Integrated Water Resource Management and the US$ 500 000 grant by Tiffany & Co in the USA to supply water to wildlife in the Khutse and Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The Society has also undertaken or collaborated in numerous research and development projects, including studies on elephant impact on vegetation and the migrations of wildebeest and zebra in Savuti, the Okavango fish parasite research and management plans for Chobe and Moremi Game reserves. Ongoing projects include management of the P15 million Government of Botswana grant to provide water to wildlife in protected areas, the P9 million GEF/Government of Botswana IWRM plan development project, the P500 000 World Wildlife Fund annual sponsorship towards the National Community Based Natural Resources Management Programme in Botswana, P1 million service contract for the implementation of the Southern Africa Regional Environment programme (SAREP) community components. The Society continues to be reliant upon continued support to sponsor its projects and environmental partnership programmes, including trans-boundary conservation projects and larger scale initiatives in natural resources management. Recently the Society participated in World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden and at the IUCN World Conservation Congress at Jeju, South Korea. It regularly highlights the local economic and global value of Botswana's environmental resources on the international environmental conservation stage. The Kalahari Conservation Society continues to work to foster considerate attitudes, especially in the young, destined to become new, environmentally conscious citizens as Botswana strives to maintain a healthy balance between human well- being, national growth and development and a healthy, globally invaluable ecosystem.

12) Botswana Police Itshireletse Group (PMS)

Botswana Police Service television Programme, Itshireletse cast, has been nominated for the independence presidential awards. When the programme started, it was aired fortnightly, it became weekly by popular demand, with its police actors becoming celebrities. To date, Itshireletse is aired every Sunday on Botswana Television at 19:30hrs. The Itshireletse series teaches the public on crime issues, the tactics that criminals use and how they can prevent such incidents. The TV programme has covered issues like rape, stock theft, obtaining by false pretences, burglary and theft, passion killings, alcohol abuse and other social ills that affect the society. In every episode the programme engages experts from different institutions who educate and comment on the issue that is being captured by the drama series on that particular day. The series also warns about the consequences such criminals face. Itshireletse cast has become a household name. Through playing these funny yet educative characters, some of Itshireletse actors have earned themselves names like Diponga, Maopinki, Bubu, Mpho, Maqondo, Judas Judas which are derived from the series.

13) Ludo Margaret Mosojane (PMS)

Ms Ludo Margaret Mosojane, born 61 years ago, is a well-known former Tatitown Customary Court President, who is also the wife of equally prominent person, retired High Court Judge, Justice John Mosojane. She completed her O' Levels at St Joseph's College in Kgale in 1971 and worked for Barclays Bank of Botswana between 1972 and 1975. The illustrious gender equality pioneer then joined the public service in 1997 as a Customary Court President where she remained until she retired in November, 2011. Her time in the public service was a tough but pleasing experience as she dealt with reconciling married couples and addressing issues of gender-based violence in the society. Ms Mosojane has also been in the political field as she was an active member of the Botswana People's Party (BPP), and even served as Deputy Mayor between 1984-1989 in the Francistown Town Council. She has been an active member of Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) since 1992 and served as the national chairperson between that year and 1995. She is currently YWCA Francistown Chairperson and since her retirement, she has been dedicating three days a week to her guidance and counselling work and two to YWCA.

Ms Mosojane, under the ambit of YWCA attended the Korea International Women's Summit, Norway International Women's Council, Finland Strategic Planning Council for Gender Equality and Namibia Regional Women's meeting amongst others. She has also attended training in New York, USA for HIV/AIDS prevention, thanks to funding from YWCA. Mma Mosojane, as she is affectionately called, is a devout Christian, a mother of four, three women and a man, and a passionate cook of Ikalanga traditional dishes. She is an art lover who collects various pieces to adorn her home. Mma Mosojane has also been writing, she has a regular column in the weekly The Voice newspaper, where she writes about the traditional Setswana wisdom and customary laws.

14) Nana Mothibi (PMS)

She has dedicated her time to helping the youth in the D'Kar settlement in Ghanzi district. D'kar is situated in a farm whose owner allocated a piece of land to the unemployed youth of the settlement to utilise for the next 25 years and make something out their lives. Ms Mothibi assisted the youth to acquire the land. She succeeded and continues with youth empowerment activities. Some of the youths she is working with are in the tannery,poultry as well as bakery businesses. These are youths who got funding from the Department of Youth. She also runs workshops for them in order to improve their businesses. Ms Mothibi has also served as a Councillor for D'Kar for two terms from 1999-2009. She has worked with various committees in D'kar including Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Health Committee and District Multi Sectoral Aids Committee (DMSAC). As a Councillor, she has worked in various Council Committees such Trade, Licensing, Education, Appeals Board as well as Finance.

15) Gasefete Leatswe (PMS)

67 year old Gasefete Leatswe of Karakubis in Ghanzi District is a woman to be reckoned with in her small community and the district as a whole. In the 1970s after completion of various courses in Mochudi Home Craft Centre, she returned to Ghanzi full of knowledge and one goal; to build her community.

She joined the social service upon her return to Ghanzi. Mrs Leatswe did not only serve as a social worker but was also a teacher having taught in the entire Ghanzi district. She taught teachers and students Home Economics as well as Domestic science. Mrs Leatswe has served as Council Chairperson of Ghanzi District Council from 2002 -2004. She was a Councillor of Karakubis from 1984 to 2004, having been nominated in 1984. From 1984 to 1990, she was the only woman Councillor in the Ghanzi District council. A community builder of her caliber, Mrs Leatswe has served in all committees in the district. She has provided her counseling services, something which she still does now in her small community of Karakubis. At the moment, she is an active member of the Prisons Committee where she counsels prisoners. She has been a member since 2006. Her passion to build her community extends to the youth. As a custodian of culture, Mrs Leatswe was appointed an abjudicator for traditional song and dance in the district by the Department of Arts and Culture. She teaches traditional song to the youth in Karakubis and the Ghanzi district.

PRESIDENTIAL CERTIFICATE OF HONOUR (PCH)

16) Sedie Cyril Modise (PCH)

Meeting one of Botswana's respected and well read ecologist/ zoologist is a blessing in disguise as the country is fast moving towards diversification of its economy through wildlife and tourism exploitation as well as prudent conservation of its flora and fauna. In this regard, a special date with this Kanye born gentleman could therefore afford one an opportunity to understand what the country is looking forward to in terms of regional cooperation in the area of wildlife conservation and prudent utilisation of natural resources. Born in December 28, 1950, Sedia Cyril Modise, who will be among

25 receipient of the Presidential honours this coming Independence Day, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Hons), in Wildlife Ecology and Zoology from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It is therefore not surprising that he has been entrusted with the demanding responsibility of being Technical Advisor for SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas, the position he clinched this year after serving for five years as Regional Coordinator for Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA). Having completed his Cambridge School Certificate in 1970 at St Joseph College, he enrolled for a Certificate in Wildlife Management from 1973 to 1974 and proceeded to do a Diploma from 1974 to 1975 at the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania. Modise ultimately went for his Degree in 1983 to 1986. Through commitment, undeniable discipline, determination and hard work, these attributes paid dividends after Modise joined the Department of Wildlife and National Parks as Game Warden (Education) in 1975 as he rose through the ranks until he became the director of the same department in 1996 until 2000. Modise, who is married and can communicate in Setswana, English, Kalanga and spoken Kiswahili, has been instrumental in the formation of wildlife clubs in Botswana and was the team leader in the negotiations for the establishment of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. His other breakthrough was when he represented the southern African region as an environmental specialist in round table discussions with former President Bill Clinton of the US. He coauthored the Status Report on Existing and Potential TFCAs in the SADC Region and he was the team member of the consultancy that compiled the KAZA TFCA pre-feasibility study and also facilitator in the negotiations and planning processes for the establishment of KAZA TFCA including the signing of the KAZA Treaty. Mr Modise who breathes and lives wildlife conservation, as the venture is running in his veins, is a member of some non governmental organisations s!

 uch as B

irdlife Botswana, Cheetah Conservation Botswana, Kalahari Conservation Society and Mokolodi Nature Foundation where he is a patron, chairperson and board member in the last two NGOs respectively. In his current duty, Modise, whose career objectives are to promote the conservation and sustainable management of wildlife resources and to foster public understanding, appreciation and respect for the natural environment, is tasked with the compilation of best practice guidelines for the development and establishment of SADC TFCAs and their implementation by SADC members states. Other responsibilities for this job entails the provision of support to the development and harmonisation of policies and legislation for TFCAS in the regional context, collection and dissemination of information, and enable information flow within and among TFCAs and in a regional context. He also support research and study activities on policy topics that would benefit collaborative programme in TFCAs.

17) Israel Power Kaisara (PCH)

Israel Power Kaisara's span in the public service depicts a decided, passionate leader who was comfortable with constant change. Perusing his 38year stay at the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Kaisara was a leader who was always ready to learn something new, face new challenges and was bold enough to bring new perspectives. In fact, he joined the department as a game scout in 1974 and later enrolled with College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania for a certificate course. Between 1984-86, he was sent to the University of Botswana to study diploma in adult education, which positioned his career evolvement. Upon return, he was transferred to the Botswana Wildlife Training Institute (BWTI) in Maun to lecture parks interpretation, public relations, conservation education and general orders. It was at BWTI that Kaisara's real caliber emerged as he became involved in extra-mural activities such as sports management which later gave birth to the famous Makgabisanaga Football Club. Kaisara further developed a self interpretative nature trail at the Maun Educational Park as well as creating rest spots and an out door theater overlooking the Thamalakane River to allow visitors and opportunity to sit and discuss issues of interests before proceeding with the trail. He was instrumental to the establishment of a museum at BWTI which creates an opportunity for students and staff to acquire skills ranging from taxidermy, routering, caption writing stenciling as well as lettering. Noting his sterling performance, Kaisara was transferred to head southern district office in Kanye in 1993 where he came across difficulties such as low staff morale and staff working aimlessly. However, it was not long before Kaisara propelled the office to various milestone achievements such as drawing compensation guidelines' in Southern District, community mobilisation and instituting animal census in the district.

Other offices that he headed included Central and Chobe districts as well as the Licensing Unit in Gaborone until his retirement as a Chief Wildlife Warden in April this year. Like a true assert to the government, Kaisara had before his retirement influenced the decentralisation of ruffle system, the district wildlife fire preparedness plans for 2009 as well as corruption prevention committees for the ministry among others.

18) Mooketsi 'China' Mading (PCH)

Mooketsi Mading popularly known as 'China' is one of the legendary sports personalities who have contributed immensely to the growth of football in Botswana. Born in Serowe 51 years ago, China became fond of football while doing his standard four at Camp Primary School in Gaborone and never looked back. He played his first serious football game in 1977 for Shoshong United. he also played for Rovers Football Club in Lesotho, from 1979 - 1981, before playing for Black Peril from 1982 to 1985. However, in 1986, he came back home to Botswana and joined Nico United in Selebi Phikwe until 1990 where he moved to Francistown's Tafic Football Club for him to later rejoin Nico United in 1992 where stayed until he hung his boots to concentrate on coaching.

'China' was an astute goalkeeper who donned national team colours for 10 years from 1983 to 1993.His coaching career started in 1997 after obtaining a Preliminary Coaching Certificate and his first job was that of an assistant coach for the National Under -17 team. In 1998, he upgraded himself to an Intermediate Coaching Certificate and became the care taker coach at Nico United and landed the job of the National under 17 coach the same year.

In 1999, Mading obtained an Advanced Coaching Certificate and took the reigns as coach for Satmos Football Club in Selebi Phikwe. Other courses he completed include, Olympic Solidarity Course, Futuro Advanced Coaching Course, CAF advanced coaching course and Preliminary Instructors Course. From 2000 to 2008, he held numerous posts in the country's football fraternity. He became assistant coach for Under 20 national team and later on coach for the team. He further held the managerial post at FC Satmos and became director of the same team. Other achievements under his belt include pioneering the formation of Under-20 ladies team. Some of his accomplishments range from being named Manica Footballer of the Year in 1986, Top Score Best Goal Keeper and Best Player in 1991, Most Memorable and Intelligent Player at Nico United in 1991, IGI Challenge Cup Champions and Top Score Best Goal Keepers again in 1992. In 2006, he led the Botswana National Under -20 team to become the Zone VI champions. He also received an award from Botswana Football Association in recognition of his outstanding contribution towards the development of football in the Selebi Phikwe Region.

19) Michael 'Malombo' Mmereki (PCH)

His name spells music, a stripe he earned while still alive. One of Botswana's renowned music pioneers. He came and exuded music passion, a charismatic music band leader. He exhibited sound excellence, an exceptional purpose driven jazz professional. Ask any local Jazz music follower, they can attest to that! Malombo, as he is affectionately called in the music industry, is a renowned local Jazz phenomenon who has contributed immensely to Botswana Music Industry both during his tenure at the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) and in his own personal capacity after retirement where he produced and released his own albums. Prior to joining BDF, Malombo was one of the people who formed the first music bands in Botswana which rocked Gaborone City at the time, the group was called Scarers in the early 70's. He went on to join a band called Originals in the mid 70's and then a group called Imagine in an attempt to permeate the music industry. Soon afterwards, still following their quest for music, in 1979, Malombo and the likes of Soccer Moruakgomo joined the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) Military Band which was established in 1977 with the mandate of providing entertainment at official state functions, corporate dinners, as well as weddings. Following the tremendous success of the band and appreciation from the general public, in 1982, they went on to form the BDF Dance band which released two hit albums: Mpho Ya Modimo and I'll Keep Searching for Music under its credit. Malombo's strong leadership capabilities saw the band growing in leaps and bounds and the band is now divided into Band A and Band B. He is one of the longest serving BDF Band leaders whose wealth of experience acquired from the BDF Dance Band spanning 22 years from1982-2004, left a mark evident in the continuous accomplishments of the present BDF Band. He acquired a Diploma in General Musicianship Programme from Dick Grove School of Music in United States of America 1992. He went on to impart his skills and knowledge to the BDF Band and during this!

  tenure

he was tasked with the responsibility of composing and arranging all music for recordings, concerts, dance band functions and any other music directed by the commander, teaching of all music subjects and training, expanding customer base with civilian bands and other musicians both locally and abroad, organising charity concerts as well as searching for new talent. All the while he was well known for his skillful use of the saxophone musical instrument as well as his strong ability to master key board instrument and producing quality sounds. He was a gifted vocalist who could excite masses with his strong voice. The year 2004 saw him retiring from the BDF Dance Band to produce his own albums, one of his famous solo Jazz albums 'Ga ke Robale' in 2008. Still in the same year, he Co-Produced  'Nowardays' with one of the Jazz music heavy weights Banjo Mosele. The albums were hits which saw him winning a BOMU Music award in the the Best Afro Jazz Category.

His success track record saw him performing in the international music arena showcasing his skill of the saxophone with the likes of internationally acclaimed saxophonist, Sadao Watanase, during Tokyo Japan for Botswana Week in 2010. His other success includes performance alongside South African guitarist Jimmy Dlodlo in 2010. His long time friend, Lieutenant Colonel Philip Modise, describes him as a humorous person with a warm personality. "He was adored by everybody, he had a wonderful personality and he could blend in with everybody -- both the young and the old." Malombo, who passed on in September 2011, was married to Nonnie Mmabatho Mmereki on 15th October 1987 and had four children, two boys and two girls.

20) Annettee Dube (PCH)

Having served the community for the past 24 years, Ms Annette Dube is amongst the few who will be receiving Botswana Honours and awards for 2012.

Ms Dube started her community work as a member of the Lenganeng Ward, Social Welfare Committee member and worked with Social Welfare Department as a Foster Parent, she was a mother to orphans in Tlokweng village, overseeing their needs and taking them on trips. Through her visitations of the community, she saw Mr Bok who was suffering together with his grandson and realised that they do not have shelter, the matter that she reported to the Village Development Committee (VDC) and asked for donations from local business people. She ended up building him a two roomed house, with a kitchen and toilet. Ms Dube located people with needs and helped them especially in the time when HIV/AIDS patients were still hidden at homes and used to escort them to the clinic for treatment and recommend them for HIV testing. She also helped five people undergo testing and get treatment and for them to receive food basket with Social Welfare for a Caring Nation Vision. Ms Dube has many caps as she is also a Spiritual Leader and visites CRC and Education Centre in Tlokweng twice a week, as she has been for the past 10 years. She preaches to students in schools of Tlokweng Junior Secondary School and Mafitlhakgosi in which she was awarded a certificate in recognition of her commitment and dedication in guiding and counseling students.

21) Socca Moruakgomo (PCH)

Socca Moruakgomo is both a musician and a thriving businessman who is not motivated by money, but because he is good at it. Having gone through vocations that instill discipline at every turn, Socca approaches music with the same professional vigor. The diminutive trumpeter and flugelhorn player honed his musical skills in the army, after joining in 1979. He founded the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Dance Band in 1982, after which he attended the Royal School of Music in the United Kingdom and New York's Juilliard School of Music respectively. With the blessing of then Brigadier Ian Khama, the Jazz maestro introduced karate to the soldiers. Socca travelled between Selebi Phikwe and Francistown to introduce karate clubs. Socca was the first Motswana to be trained and graded in Japan obtaining a Black Belt 3rd Degree in 1990. Moruakgomo, a 5th Dan Black Belt Karate Instructor, opened a karate school in Botswana. He toured the world with the much acclaimed musical group, Sarafina, from South Africa, after being invited by legendary Hugh Masekela.

Socca has a very rich musical background as he was once a nominee for the SAMA awards in South Africa in 2004. In 2005 he performed at the annual Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), where he made history as the first artiste to strut his jazzy stuff before a cosmopolitan HIFA audience.

In 2005, he performed at the San Fernando Jazz Festival in Trinidad & Tobago where he was the only Jazz artist from Africa. He has at one point collaborated with the well respected Caribbean musician, composer and guitarist Ronald Boo Hikinson for his act.

22) Nelson John Leepile (PCH)

A renowned journalist of his time, Nelson Leepile is the pioneer of the first edition of the DailyNews translated in Setswana. Not only did he work in the print media industry, he also worked as an announcer for Radio Botswana. He pursued a professional certificate in radio journalism from 1976 to 78 in Germany. During his time as a journalist, he travelled with former presidents Sir Ketumile Masire and Mr Festus Mogae. As a journalist, he also travelled around the continent doing sports magazine for radio Botswana. He was the first Public Relations Officer of the Botswana Athletics Association. In 1980 he was assigned to Tanzania to produce a UN health hazard programme for East Africa. He was a member of the organising committee for TAICU 20 in 1986.

He is currently a member of the BFA Finance and Investment committee. He is one of the founders of the Zebras supporters club, a member of the President Day celebrations committee, member of the Gaborone District Road Safety Committee, the National Disaster Committee and the Gaborone Consumers fair organising committee. In 2006, he was awarded a medal by FIFA for his contribution in the development of football in Botswana. He was recently recognised as one of the individuals who played a part in the development of Gaborone City Council at the recent Gaborone 25th anniversary celebrations.

23) Maano Charles Kabelo (PCH)

Mr Maano Charles Kabelo holds a diploma in Public Administration. He worked for Ministry of Agriculture from 1969- 74. He then served as a Senior Matimela Officer from 1975-81. Driven by his will to serve the nation, he later on worked as Assistant Council Secretary from 1981-83. Mr Kabelo was elected Deputy Town Clerk from 1983- 87 and then appointed Town Clerk from 1988-94. The following year, he served as the Council Secretary until 1997. He spearheaded campaigns for agricultural development in the country, as well as reinforcing and implementing the Matimela Act. During his service, he coordinated and came up with initiatives to enforce learning and growth of councils country wide from grassroot level to where they are today.

24) Phagane Tladi (PCH)

Mr Phagane Tladi is well known for the famous and captivating picture of Sir Seretse Khama and Lady Ruth Khama with the then Commissioner of Police, Mr Simon Hirschfeldt and Colonel Bailey behind them, striding the cobbled ground in front of the National Assembly. The picture was taken after swearing in following the 1969 General Elections and in the picture, Sir Seretse Khama has his hands spread out with a hat on the other. With a primary School Leaving Examinations certificate and a certificate in Press Photography, Mr Tladi worked 34 years for the Department of Information and Broadcasting since 1966 to 1992 and continued on contract until 2000. His special achievements includes, amongst others, heading photography unit from inception and covering HE's overseas travels. He photographed all over Botswana to communicate with other Batswana and the rest of the world and did the official portraits of all first three Presidents of Botswana as well as produced works that have become central to the country's national heritage, including visits by foreign dignitaries.

25) Phuti Angelinah Monageng (PCH)

Mrs Phuti Angelinah Monageng is a true mother; a mother for the blind and the disabled. Mrs Monageng, who lost her eyesight six months after her birth, met 'motherhood' for the blind and the disabled when she started working for the Central Association of the Blind and the Disabled in 1985, joining her husband who founded the association in 1981. Since then, she continued advocating for the blind and the disabled, giving them a sense of identity, pride and dignity. Currently, the Serowe office is fully functional and through her advocacy, there is a rehabilitation centre in Mahalapye. Thanks to the Ministry of Health through Botswana Council for the Disabled (BCD), the Central Association of the Blind and the Disabled is successful. Mrs Monageng, who possesses a certificate in switchboard operation, is in the process of relocating to South Africa and she surely will be immensely missed by many in Botswana.