23 Aug 2016

The chairperson of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Women’s Wing, Ms Dorcas Makgato has challenged party members to be visible and defend the party at any given opportunity.

Speaking at the BDP Gaborone Region revival recruitment and registration seminar in Gaborone West Community Hall on August 20, Ms Makgato said party members were charged with the responsibility to promote and disseminate party policies as well government programmes.

She said members should also be ready to take up party errands and accordingly advice the leadership where applicable. 

Ms Makgato, who is also MP for Sefhare/Ramokgonami said democrats should be visible on the ground and be ready to defend the party from opposition attack.

In addition, she said party members should support party structures and get to know each other well, deliver effectively and have a common understanding of party issues. 

She however regretted that some party members were shy to openly recruit new members into the party.

Ms Makgato said the recently passed electoral amendment bill would help improve the voting system and guard against any chances of cheating. 

She said there was no need for opposition parties to cry foul more so that measures had been put in place to improve voting during general elections. 

She also challenged democrats to always accept defeat adding that leaving the party affect its performance.

Another speaker, chairperson of Gaborone BDP region Mr Bontsi Monare said the objective of the day was to recruit more members into the party as well as to encourage them to change their old membership cards to the newly introduced membership cards.

He further urged democrats to embark on massive recruitment drive and poach members from the dying opposition. 

Mr Monare noted that people admire BDP because it has direction and focus.

He therefore said it was ideal to be associated and identified with the party adding as they advance towards the general elections BDP members should work hard for the party.

For his part, the chairperson of council of elders Mr Patrick Balopi called for commitment and asked the youth to always seek advice from party elders.

Speaking at the event, the BDP secretary general, Mr Botsalo Ntuane urged democrats to remain united as they approach general elections, adding that it was through commitment that the party led the nation for years. Ends