On February 4, 2025, His Lordship Hon. Chief Justice Gaolapelwe G. Ketlogetswe officially opened the 2025 Legal Year at the Gaborone High Court. The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, the First Lady Kaone Boko, and other distinguished figures from the legal, political, and public sectors.
In his keynote address, Chief Justice Ketlogetswe outlined his vision for a world-class judiciary, emphasizing the need for innovation, adaptability, and continuous learning within Botswana’s judicial system. He described a judiciary that is forward-looking, business-like in approach, and agile enough to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“The kind of judiciary that we envisage is one that will be forward-looking in focus, business-like in approach, innovative in its operations, adaptable to the ever-changing world of technological developments, and generally agile in the execution of its mandate,” Chief Justice Ketlogetswe stated. He further highlighted that the Judiciary—encompassing the Court of Appeal, the High Courts, and the Magistrates Courts—must work cohesively to achieve these goals.
The Chief Justice stressed the importance of human capital development within the judiciary, noting that continuous learning and the enhancement of soft skills are vital for keeping pace with changing demands. By upskilling its human resources, the judiciary can maintain its efficiency and relevance, thereby ensuring justice is delivered effectively and promptly.
The opening ceremony not only reaffirmed the commitment of the judiciary to uphold the rule of law but also set the tone for an ambitious agenda aimed at modernizing and improving Botswana’s legal system in the year ahead. With the full support of President Advocate Duma Boko’s administration and a clear roadmap for growth, the judiciary stands poised for continued progress.
As Botswana moves forward under Chief Justice Ketlogetswe’s leadership, the vision of a world-class judiciary remains firmly in focus. This marks an exciting new chapter for Botswana’s legal landscape, with a focus on modernization, excellence, and efficiency at every level.
