NSO ON THE PASSING OF MR MOATLHODI SEBABOLE

The government of Botswana is saddened by the passing of Mr Moatlhodi Sebabole, a Motswana Economist who was appointed by His Excellency, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi in 2019 to lead the National Transformation Strategy Team (NTST), to which the National Strategy Office serves as Secretariat. He passed away on the 3rd of October 2021 after a short illness at the young age of 34.

As Chairperson of the NTST, Mr Sebabole and his Team recognised the commitment of the transformation strategy, to leave no one behind in the implementation of Vision 2036, and to unlock the tremendous potential of human and financial resources of the country.

The appointment of the NTST, as well as the chairpersonship thereof Mr Sebabole, was inspired by the vision for Botswana to overcome the middle-income trap of nearly two decades and the desired outcome of the country propelling to high-income status and being a knowledge-based economy. The intent is to transform the country so that there is tangible and measurable prosperity for all.

Mr Sebabole had carved a name for himself in academia and the Industry of Finance and Economics. He was acknowledged by peers and the government of Botswana for his achievements and as a role model for youth empowerment. In recognition of these excellent attributes, Mr Sebabole was appointed by President Masisi to lead a 16 member team of capable men and women from both government and the Private Sector to develop a National Transformation strategy for Botswana;   a strategy that would become the single reference document in the delivery of Botswana’s Vision 2036. The appointment was thus, in recognition of his wealth of experience and achievements, as well as an endeavour to empower the youth of the country to take on leadership positions.

Mr Sebabole served this country and others in several capacities, among which were in risk management, corporate finance and product development, Stock Exchange, market intelligence and analysis. He had also applied himself in academia as a lecturer in finance at the University of Botswana and the University of Essex. He worked for FNB Botswana as a market strategist and at

the time of his unfortunate demise, he was Chief Economist responsible for the bank’s market intelligence and analysis.

Mr Sebabole was described by his peers as a competent visionary, a sincere and humble individual who was hardworking and committed to the development of Batswana.  Among his accolades, he received the 50 Young Batswana Change-makers award under the Leadership & Business track in

2016 (awards by Mail & Guardian Africa in collaboration with GabzFM to commemorate Botswana’s 50 years of independence). Mr Sebabole completed the 2017 Mandela-Washington fellowship at Case Western Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio (US) under the public management track – focusing on health, urban planning, biotechnology, banking and policy development.

He sat on the University of Botswana Council as well as the University’s audit committee. He holds an MSc in Finance & Investment from the University of Essex and a Bachelor of Finance from UB.

The passing away of Mr Moatlhodi Sebabole is thus, a true loss to the nation of Botswana. The government of Botswana extends its condolences to the bereaved family and expresses its gratitude for the outstanding national service rendered by their beloved son.

May His Soul Rest in Peace!!

Secretariat – National Transformation Strategy Team

National Strategy Office, Office of the President (OP)