03 Nov 2015

A Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) activist has described Botswana as a peaceful nation governed by democratic principles.

Speaking during a political rally in Bobonong , Mr Lotty Manyepetsa said all were free to criticise the ruling party and government without fear unlike in some countries where people were afraid to speak against the government.

He said during his time at the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), activists including himself would go to the extent of indiscriminately insulting the Head of State, but were not harassed by security agents. 

Mr Manyepetsa said opposition parties lacked focus and he appealed to constituents to shun them as they critised everything without suggesting solutions.

He said the area Member of Parliament, Mr Shaw Kgathi, was a capable leader who had represented the constituency well. 

He said the Bobirwa area was faced with a challenge of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and the opposition demanded that there be be an electric fence along the border with Zimbabwe.

However, he said that had negative repercussions as the international boundary was governed by international law.

He said this would also affect Botswana's economy as the two countries were trading partners but to address the situation of FMD and cross border crime the Special Support Group and Botswana Defence Force had been deployed along the border to monitor the situation.

He encouraged youth to utilise government schemes to set up businesses to generate employment.  

Mr Kgathi, also BDP deputy secretary general, accused BCP of voter trafficking in the 2014 general elections.

He cited roads in Bobonong, electrification of all villages except Lentswelemoriti and the upcoming construction of Platjan Border Bridge as some of the developments in the area. Mr Kgathi appealed to unity within BDP in order to carry the country and party forward. Ends