The government cannot build a multi-million facility and just leave it — Patrick Ralotsia

"First, I must accept that being a minister or not is the prerogative of the President. I have been here (Minister) since the last elections and have served under two Presidents but now it is what it is and I have since accepted it. I don’t think the President has any obligation to consult me if he feels that my time in cabinet is over. But also I must not misinform myself into thinking the fact that I, being a minister means I am the best in the system. That is what I have always taught myself. I am not at war with the President and am not aware if there is anything of that kind. At least as far as am concerned I have always supported Masisi and I continue to, including today."

"There are cabinet ministers who want to deal in industrial hemp. To the best of my knowledge I know that they support the legalization of industrial hemp."

"When I leased my farm to them, they told me they were into horticulture. They said they also would like to do production of industrial hemp, but in the course of time. I told them that in as much as they would like to do that, it should be in order and we do the necessary consultations with all relevant stakeholders and ministries because industrial hemp is apparently somewhat associated with Motokwane (marijuana)."

"We did that. There is a committee working on that. I think out of excitement Fresh Standards wanted to experiment with the plant in relation to Botswana’s environment. I did not know they planted it. I trusted that they would stick to my instruction."

"I learnt that they had planted 32 plants, when arriving from Gaborone. My employees had been taken by the police for questioning. One of the officials of the company was also present there."

"I know the economic benefits of industrial hemp and will not change my mind. I am prepared to go to jail for that."