Mr Speaker, the ANC extends its congratulations to the Botswana Democratic Party, BDP, which celebrated its 50th anniversary on 25 February 2012. The celebration also marked the Botswana Democratic Party's 45 years in power since Botswana's gaining its independence from Britain.
Botswana is praised for being the world's biggest diamond producer and a model for African democracy and good resource management. The Botswana Democratic Party must be commended for the country's infrastructure growth and for making Botswana a middle-income country through the proper management of their resources. The ANC has enjoyed good relations with the government and the people of Botswana, which have been forged over the many years of our liberation struggle. We remember Botswana for joining in the international condemnation of apartheid and for its willingness to provide a safe haven for the ANC military wing during our struggle for freedom.
We continue to strengthen these relations in pursuit of our common goal of reconstruction and development of our respective countries. I thank you. [Applause.]