02/09/2026
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The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) has welcomed Mr Larona Mokete back as Airport Manager for Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA), strengthening leadership continuity at Botswanaโs principal international gateway and reinforcing the Authorityโs commitment to safe, secure, efficient and customer-focused airport operations.
CAAB Chief Executive Officer Captain Thuto Toise formally re-introduced Mr Mokete to CAAB departmental heads and representatives of the wider SSKIA airport community, including airport tenants, airlines, Immigration and Health Services. The engagement aligned stakeholders around the collective responsibility required to operate an international airport effectively and to uphold the standards expected of Botswanaโs primary port of entry by air.
Mr Moketeโs return is significant within the context of CAABโs statutory mandate. The Authority is responsible for promoting the safe, regular, secure and efficient use and development of civil aviation in Botswana. It also regulates and develops air transport, provides air navigation services, manages airports and advises the Government of Botswana on all matters relating to civil aviation. Effective airport leadership is therefore central to translating this mandate into consistent operational performance and a positive passenger experience.
As Airport Manager, Mr Mokete will provide day-to-day leadership and coordination within a complex operating environment that brings together regulators, airlines, government agencies, ground handlers, tenants, concessionaires and other service providers. While these stakeholders perform different functions, their work is interconnected. Safety, security, operational efficiency and customer service depend on clear accountability, disciplined coordination and a shared commitment to established aviation requirements.
A key priority under Mr Moketeโs leadership will be preparations for the re-certification of SSKIA. From October 2026 to April 2027, the airport community will work collectively to address identified gaps and strengthen readiness for the forthcoming re-certification process.
Airport certification forms an important part of aviation safety oversight. It demonstrates that an airportโs infrastructure, facilities, operating procedures, safety management arrangements and organisational capabilities conform to applicable regulatory requirements. The process is not a once-off compliance exercise; it supports continuous monitoring, corrective action and improvement across the airport system.
Preparations for re-certification will therefore require coordinated action across CAAB directorates and the broader airport community. This includes maintaining appropriate facilities and procedures, strengthening operational discipline, addressing identified areas for improvement and ensuring that personnel understand their responsibilities within the airport safety and service environment.
Mr Mokete brings valuable institutional knowledge and relevant certification experience to the role. He previously led the SSKIA certification team in 2022 and contributed to the successful certification of the airport in 2024. His familiarity with the airport, its stakeholders and the certification process provides a strong foundation from which to build on previous lessons and guide preparations for the next certification cycle.
His appointment also reinforces CAABโs focus on leadership accountability. The Airport Manager serves as a critical link between institutional strategy and frontline delivery, ensuring that the airportโs daily operations remain aligned with regulatory obligations, organisational priorities and the needs of passengers and aviation partners.
This responsibility extends beyond technical compliance. The quality of an airport is also reflected in how effectively it serves the travelling public. Reliable processes, responsive stakeholder coordination, professional conduct and a consistent focus on passengers all contribute to public confidence in Botswanaโs aviation system. Strengthening these areas supports CAABโs commitment to placing customers at the centre of service delivery while maintaining safety and security as fundamental priorities.
SSKIA occupies a strategic position in Botswanaโs transport and economic landscape. As the countryโs main international airport, it connects Botswana to regional and global markets and supports tourism, trade, investment, business travel and people-to-people movement. Its effectiveness therefore has implications beyond the airport precinct: it influences Botswanaโs accessibility, competitiveness and reputation as a destination.
Strong leadership at SSKIA is consequently an investment in the wider aviation ecosystem. By maintaining safe and efficient airport operations, supporting compliance with national and international requirements and improving coordination across the airport community, CAAB creates the conditions through which aviation can contribute meaningfully to national development.
Mr Mokete succeeds Mr Gilbert Makgetho, who now leads the team at PG Matante International Airport. The transition reflects CAABโs continued strengthening of leadership across its airport network and its commitment to deploying experienced personnel where they can contribute to operational resilience, institutional learning and service improvement.
Through Mr Moketeโs appointment and the collective support of the SSKIA airport community, CAAB will continue working to ensure that Botswanaโs principal international gateway remains safe, secure, efficient, compliant and responsive to the needs of the travelling public.
