Botswana: Dr. Kedikilwe Sworn In as the New Vice President

Botswana: President Khama Appoints Dr. Kedikilwe as the New Vice President

August 2, 2012

This afternoon His Honour Dr. Ponatshego Honorius Kefhaeng Kedikilwe was sworn in as Botswana's 7th Vice President.

The new Vice President's swearing in immediately followed his endorsement by Parliament in accordance with Section 39 (1) of the Constitution, which states that:

“There shall be a Vice-President who shall be appointed by the President from among the Elected Members of the National Assembly who are citizens of Botswana by birth or descent, which appointment shall be endorsed by the said Elected Members.”

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Her Honour Dr. Magaret Nasha, announced at the beginning of today's session that His Excellency the President, Lt. Gerneral Seretse Khama Ian Khama, had informed her of his appointment today of Dr. Kedikilwe as the new Vice President, thus bringing Section 39 (1) of the Constitution into effect.

The Presidential appointment of Dr. Kedikilwe as Vice President, follows the resignation with effect as of today of the previous Vice President, Lt. General Mompati Merafhe, who announced ealier this month his intention to step down due to declining health.

For purposes of today's Endorsement vote, and with further reference to Section 58 (1) of the Constitution, “Elected Members” in understood to exclude the four Specially Elected Members, but include His Excellency the President, Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, whose status as an ex-offio member of Parliament gives him full voting rights, as well as all 56 constituency MPS. In this respect President Khama was present and participated in this afternoon's voting.

The outcome of the Parliamentarians vote was 38 in favour of endorsement with none against. There were also 12 abstaining ballots, while 6 MPs were reported to be not present.

It was further announced today (see above) that His Honour Dr. P.H.K. Kedikilwe will for the time being continue to further serve as the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources. This will allow him to continue to play a key role in efforts to promote greater beneficiation along with growth in the local mineral and energy sectors, including Botswana's emergence as a mines to market global diamond trading and processing hub.

Vice President Kedikilwe has also previously served with distinction in various additional portfolios, including as Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Presidential Affairs and Public Administration and Education.

He has been the elected Member of Parliament for the Mmadinare constituency since 1984.

In 1992 he was awarded a Presidential Order of Honour and in 2007 he received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of Botswana.

His Honour has also served on a number of important national commissions/committees, notably including the Tax Legislation Review Committee and as Chairperson of the 1992 Presidential Commission on Education.

ENDS

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