Botswana Vision 2016 : Frequently asked questions

Vision 2016 is Botswana's strategy to propel its socio-economic and political development into a competitive, winning and prosperous nation. Seven key goals have been developed to achieve this. The vision reflects the aspirations of Batswana about their long-term future and is a result of extensive consultations with a wide spectrum of individuals and institutions in the country.

In 2016, Botswana will have been an independent nation for 50 years. By this year, a number of challenges in Botswana's long-term goals for development will have been met. Strategies have been devised to turn Vision 2016 into reality.

Batswana have to adapt to the challenges accompanying rising globalisation. We have become a melting pot of diverse cultures following rapid urbanisation in the country. Vision 2016 has also since incorporated the spirit of " botho", which is derived fromour cultural heritage, into the principles of democracy, development, selfreliance and unity, which have guided the country's socio-economic development to date. "Botho" entails the process of earning respect for oneself by giving it, and gaining empowerment by empowering others. In light of this, Batswana should become a society with confidence in itself, pride in its achievements, and possessing a sense of common and shared destiny. We should be cognisant of our rich variety of cultures and languages. We must be able to strongly project our identity as Batswana through various symbols and actions that express nationhood and patriotic sentiments. Vision 2016 document has been distributed to all stakeholders in the country. These include members of the public, government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, for them to incorporate into their plans and programmes. Every Motswana is expected to be an active participant in realizing the goals of Vision 2016.

An Educated and Informed Nation
By 2016, Botswana's education system will have readied itself for the dynamic needs of the country and the world. After acquiring a good education and training, citizens will be expected to be better producers of goods and services. A huge pool of skills for most sectors of the economy is expected by this time. Botswana's cultural and linguistic diversity will have been deeply entrenched in the educational system. Botswana will be abreast of other nations in information technology and will have become a regional powerhouse in the field. Most people will be computer literate as most schools and workplaces will be equipped with computers. This will enable Botswana to become an informed nation in which a culture of transparency and accountability will flourish.
A Prosperous, Productive and Innovative Nation
Batswana will have a better work ethic and be more productive in all they do. One's input at work will be recognized and rewarded. Government, in partnership with the private sector, will nurture the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity in the field of science and technology. Economic diversification will be accomplished. Women will play an equal role in development. The economy will be driven and owned by citizens. Botswana will have attained a sustainable use of its natural resources, particularly, non-renewable resources such as minerals. Communities will be in the forefront in the use and exploitation of natural resources and wildlife management. Every Motswana will be expected to appreciate the importance of a clean environment. By 2016, income per capita will grow by six percent. Unemployment will be drastically reduced, as economic growth in the formal and informal sectors and economic diversification will have generated more employment opportunities. Gender imbalances amongst the employed will also have been leveled. A non-discriminatory national housing policy will give Batswana access to basic shelter in urban and rural areas.
A Compassionate, Just and Caring Nation
By 2016, Botswana will have realized a more equitable income distribution that ensures that the majority of its people participate in economic activities. As a compassionate and caring nation, Batswana will have the poor and underprivileged considered in their daily activities. Poverty will be alleviated. Government, in a smart partnership with the private sector and non-governmental organizations, will provide social security to the elderly, the terminally ill, orphans and people with disabilities. By 2016, Batswana will have access to quality health facilities. Health facilities will be within a reasonable distance. Botswana will be prepared to deal with unexpected epidemics and any natural disasters. There will also be adequate nutrition, quality sanitation and adequate supply of clean drinking water. The spread of Human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), will be stopped. AIDS patients will have access to quality care in health facilities, in their community or workplace.
A Safe And Secure Nation
Botswana will be a crime-free society with zero tolerance for criminal activities in 2016. White-collar crime will be curbed. There will be confidence in institutions for law enforcement and public protection, which will be manned by trained police officers. There will be a reduction in deaths and injuries caused by bad driving, inadequate fencing or poor marking of roads. A small, alert, trained, disciplined and accountable army will be in place to will act against any acts of external and internal aggression or terrorism.
An Open, Democratic and Accountable Nation
Botswana will increasingly become a decentralized, people-centred democracy. Various political parties continue to participate in the political process and free and fair elections. This will be cemented by an expected culture of accountability in public affairs. Holders of public office will be expected to uphold the accepted ethics of their office and serve their communities well. Churches, non-governmental and voluntary organizations will ensure that an ethical and accountable democratic system prevails. Leaders will be ethically and morally upright so that the younger generation can look up at them as role models. Traditional leaders (who are custodians of our culture and tradition), will be a crucial arm of the country's democracy. This will ensure that the kgotla system will be passed from generation to generation. Botswana will be a law-abiding nation. It will uphold religious and spiritual values and high moral standards.
A Moral and Tolerant Nation
In 2016, Botswana will accept the diversity of its people. There will be no stereotypes associated with gender, age, religion or creed, colour, national or ethnic origin, geographical location, language or political opinions. There will be respect of human rights and no abuse of children and women.
A United and Proud Nation
By 2016, Botswana will be a united and proud nation; accommodating common goals based on one heritage, national pride and desire for stability. This will be manifested in the use of the flag and other national symbols to promote national harmony. The family will be the bedrock of social and moral values, responsible parenting and a strong institution of marriage would be emphasised.

In order to realize Vision 2016, the President of Botswana appointed a Vision Council made up of members drawn from the private sector, public sector, NGOs and individuals.The Vision Council's mandate is stipulated in the following terms of reference: