13 Oct 2014

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has urged Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) members not to emulate opposition parties’ politics of hate and bad language and rather concentrate on selling their party to voters.

Addressing a political rally in the Thamaga-Kumakwane constituency, he said they should fight opposition parties with party programmes and votes rather than peddle untruths and badmouthing. 

President Khama noted that opposition parties used to scorn him over his walk-about and donations of goodies to the elderly which they described as populist tendencies and a waste of money. He said of late they too have started donating blankets and sweets despite their distaste to the idea.

He said his party was committed to developing the country, citing the commencement of the medical school, BIUST, the coming of the university of agricultural science and the continued support to other private universities in the country in providing quality education to Batswana.

He also said about P600 million was committed to availing medicine for all health facilities across the country. However, he conceded that although this was not enough, there was hope since the country was now out of the woods. He added that when elected back to power, the BDP would focus on building more health facilities, schools and job creation particularly for the youth.

President Khama said the country still had a long way to go, and that Batswana should not waste their votes either on opposition parties or mekoko. 

He added that he was confident that his party would still be in power as it was impossible for opposition parties to win more seats than the BDP looking at the workrate of democrats and their campaign teams so far.

Former Thamaga MP and deputy speaker, Ms Gladys Kokorwe commended Batswana for their continued support to the BDP over the years, saying this was mainly due to the success rate of the party policies, especially the social safety nets which has help many to put bread on the table.She said social safety nets accorded to Batswana were comparable to none across the globe.

 She added that other countries For his part aspiring area MP, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo said Batswana need each other to take the country forward, and should unite under the leadership of President Khama if the country was to meaningful develop.

He said under the BDP the country has enjoyed peace and stability which was paramount to all Batswana. ENDS