A Call for Faith, Unity, and Renewal – Botswana National Prayer Day 2025

Gaborone, 14 September 2025

On Sunday the 14th of September, Botswana witnessed a historic moment as leaders from government, the private sector, and the Church gathered under one roof for the National Leadership Prayer Service in Gaborone. The event was convened under the leadership of the President of the Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana (EFB), Pastor David Seithamo, alongside other Christian leaders.

A Continental Voice for Faith and Governance

In his address Dr Matlhaope spoke about the role of Faith in a National Development. He explained that development goes through different stages that require the evolvement of the faith sector. Some challenges of development are systemic and require inner human transformation in order to implement transformational policy reforms. Dr Matlhaope explained that, if the church is excluded, development normally becomes an expensive exercise that dwarfs limited resources. For example, Hospitals become overwhelmed with patients some of which are caused by unmitigated wayward behaviors like drunken driving, drug and substance abuse and maintenance of property sometimes becomes a challenge due to lack of discipline. The Secretary General noted that the Gini- Coefficient of Botswana has unacceptably remained high, leading to a scenario best described by Professor Okullo, that “the poor don’t sleep because they are hungry, and the rich won’t sleep because the poor are awake”.

Dr Matlhaope stated that core to development in a democratic set up is faith, in the Os Guinness Golden triangle of Freedom, Virtue and Faith. The essence of a democracy is Freedom because that is what human beings needs to thrive. Yet freedom without virtue is chaos and without faith there is no virtue. It is the centrality of virtue that is informed by faith which led majority of the first world to be where they are.

“This is how critical faith is in a democratic governance. It is in understanding of this golden triangle that you will begin to appreciate the value in true sense of the Church. You begin to appreciate fully the value of pastoral work, when you fully appreciate the critical need of faith in a democratic dispensation. That is when you can answer the question about the value of a pastor,” Dr. Matlhaope said.

In the same meeting, Dr Matlhaope, who is also the Chancellor of the Africa International University (AIU), presented a Souvenir gifts to the Head of State from the Africa International University (AIU). The gifts included a bag and an Executive Mug, all branded with the University logo.

President Boko’s Message of Hope and Unity

President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko delivered a heartfelt address, beginning not with political promises but with a message of hope rooted in God’s Word. Acknowledging the pressing issues facing many Batswana — unemployment, rising costs of living, and challenges in the health sector — he struck an empathetic tone:

“These are painful realities, and as your leader, I carry this burden with you,” he said.

Drawing from his own journey of adversity, President Boko shared that his strength and perseverance had come from God. Quoting the book of Habakkuk, he reminded the congregation:

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord.”

He urged Batswana to remain united and compassionate, saying: “Botswana has overcome trials before, and we will rise again. But we must do it together, as one people who trust in God.”

A Nation in Prayer

“It is very necessary that when a nation is under siege the only supreme being to consult is God because in Him we live and move and have our being, “said Pst. Seithamo, the president of EFB.

Pastor David Seithamo also encouraged that prayer must be escalated even to the highest levels of leadership, especially in a time when the nation is facing deep social and moral challenges such as corruption, economic hardship, unemployment, poverty, gender-based violence and accidents.

The day concluded with collective prayers for Botswana’s future — petitions for unity, righteous leadership, economic renewal, and God’s continued guidance.

The National Leadership Prayer Service 2025 marked a new chapter in Botswana’s spiritual and democratic journey, reminding the nation that faith, when placed at the heart of governance, can anchor both hope and transformation.