03 Apr 2016

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) President, Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama says the party will introduce a new vetting system leading to the 2019 general elections.

Giving a keynote address at the BDP’s 54th national council on Friday under the theme: Our structures, our strength - Another 50 years in government, #Goyagoileng, he said the new system follows the recommendations of the Siele Commission and extensive consultations in the regions. He added that the new vetting system would ensure that party members were committed.

President Khama said the theme underscores the party’s focus on team building after the 2014 general elections. He urged party members to continue informing Batswana that the BDP was still the only party that could represent their ideals.

The BDP also welcomed 94 new members. Twenty-eight new members were from the Letlhakeng/Lephephe constituency, among them five former  BCP council candidates in the 2014 elections, 60 were from Kanye South while a further six came from different constituencies across the country.

President Khama said their focus was to galvanise efforts in their structures with the aim to strengthen part operations.
He added that to that effect, he has visited all the regions in pursuance of the endeavour with other members of the central committee.

President Khama said a clear reward of the undertaking was the recent election results in the Sekoma ward in the Jwaneng/Mabutsane constituency where the BDP won.
President Khama also added that their recruitment strategy was bearing fruit as the majority of the recruits were youth who were energetic and active.

He highlighted that they assist Batswana without regard to party affiliation because it was what democratic principles prescribe.
However, President Khama said opposition parties have stooped low by condemning policies aimed at improving the lives of Batswana.

He noted that there were a number of indexes that rate Botswana high regarding issues of governance as well as economic performance, which he said opposition parties never applauded.

He urged Batswana to scrutinise opposition parties who claim they were a government in waiting to determine if their actions show such a likelihood, and if they could be entrusted with the responsibility of governing.

He said ever since introducing the five D’s upon being elected President, discipline seems to be the one where there were a lot of problems.

“One of the major issues of concern that we have been addressing has to do with social ills and the degeneration of social values, especially among our youth,” said President Khama.

He noted that he gave a national address on discipline at Thamaga on March 4, and further addressed it at the BDP youth council in Mosu as well as engage the Botswana Council of Churches.

He said it was disappointing that the people that the country was striving to improve were the ones who seem to be involved in issues of anti-social behavior that does not compliment learning.

He expressed concern over members of the public who have made a habit to write uncouth messages about others on social media. Ends