11 Jan 2016

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has welcomed four former Botswana Movement for Democracy members.

Speaking at a press conference to welcome the  new members, party chairman and Vice President, Mr Mokweetsi Masisi said the BDP was a fertile party which would continue to bring more youth to the organisation.

He said the BDP was in a mission to rebut and demist the notion that the party only appeal to elderly people.

The BDP, he said, was serious about responding to the needs of young people given that they were the life blood of Botswana.

Mr Masisi said the BDP has always been known to be the life blood of the youth, adding that the country was started and governed by people who were youthful.

“We can assure you, that going forward, we are going to have more young people holding positions of responsibility,” he said.

He said the BDP would recruit from all demographic groups, given that his party was postured and motivated to work and deliver for the country.

“We are also motivated to be attractive to all, and this is not just rhetoric, we will go after the different ages proportionate to their contribution to the population, watch this space in this room, keep coming back, you will see them,” he said.

He further said the youth they were welcoming were talented and attractive politically, adding that the BDP would also continue to “pick to win” and would continue to do that post 2019, given that they would be back in government with a significant percentage and the popular vote.

Talking about the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), the Vice President said the programme was meant to benefit all Batswana regardless of their party affiliation.

Mr Masisi refuted allegations that the ESP has already kick started and benefitted certain people, adding that there was a system of budgeting in place, and that the procedure was transparent and open.

He said even the new recruits should know that the ESP was not part of their package, but would have to go the same route just like every Motswana.

He said as the ESP coordinator, he would ensure that the programme serve its purpose and enjoyed by every citizen.

Mr Anderson Mathibe, who was the BMD Youth League treasurer, said  they found it fit to retrace their political steps and re-join the BDP as it was their home. Other members who were welcomed were Tumelo Moyo who was Ledumadumane UDC council candidate, Hazel  Wadikgosi BMDYL deputy treasurer and Kabo  Sekwai BMDYL additional member. Ends