27 Oct 2016

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) chairperson and also Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said that government took a wise decision to let BCL Mine undergo provisional liquidation.

“In the wisdom that it can master, all of it, government of Botswana took a wise decision with all competent information and advisement, with no iota of malice, but with every intention to do good for this country. And watch the space you will see the good that emerges. We appreciate, we accept, painfully so; that it will be painful. It’s a very uncomfortable transition,” he added.

Addressing BDP press conference on Wednesday, Mr Masisi said the decision was never done for the sake of doing it, or for the sake of forsaking anybody ‘a ke motho yo o berekang, is it a student, a motho o a kolota. We understand all.’

This, Mr Masisi said was the reason why government was putting in place significant mitigation measures, some of which he said were outlined in the Draft NDP11 presentation by Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Kenneth Matambo, during the special parliament, on Wednesday.

“Because, in exercise of our prudence, like we have cautioned, we are prepared to reduce budget to part finance the mitigation. I will leave the details to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development,” he said.

He said out of full respect for the rule of law, the appropriate relevant piece of legislation would be applied; firmly, fairly, consistently and always; ‘that is without prejudice to the rights of any claimants to BCL Mine, any and all.’

Mr Masisi explained that Botswana’s legislative framework was in place to promote good governance, adding you will see it seamlessly shine itself through and the Botswana that we extoled and showcased during BOT50 you will see through when we go through our hard times.

“So, this is the government, and party, that is fully in charge and we will come of it stronger, firmer and the better for BDP having been there,” said Mr Masisi.

On other issues, Mr Masisi said Members of Parliament recently had a workshop on the Draft NDP 11 where they interacted intimately with the provisions, contents, thrust and outlook of NDP 11.

This, he said was the first NDP taking a chunk out of Vision 2036 ‘and the first NDP that goes towards end of the term of the government.  It is a programme of action directed by the ruling party.’

“So, we take full ownership and pride of everything that is in there. The messaging in it, contents, sequencing- knowing that you can’t do everything at one time, we want to secure a future for all of you and all your progeny and the progeny of your progeny,” he added.

Furthermore, Mr Masisi emphasised that the National Vision 2036 was the blue print and manifesto of the people of Botswana, adding that NDP 11 was synergised with Vision 2036.

As an official and final document that reflects the aspirations of the people of Botswana, he said it was only for parliament, as a body constituted by people who are representatives of the people whose aspirations are reflected in Vision 2036, to go and ratify or endorse.

“Who are we, when we allowed people to debate and express their aspirations, to go and change them? When our term is five years and when they are projecting their vision for the next 50 years. So, we made it clear that it’s tabled and it can be discussed at any time as an official document,” added Mr Masisi.

Mr Masisi also said there would be a State-of-the-Nation Address after the discussion of the Draft NDP 11.

Botswana Democratic Party deputy secretary general and also Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi said the press conference was meant to fulfill BDP’s promise to members of the media of giving them frequent accurate information to update them on the party’s recruitment journey towards 2019.

Meanwhile, Mr Masisi also welcomed, into the party, new members from the opposition, amongst them was former Gender Links Botswana coordinator, Ms Keabonye Ntsabane from Botswana Congress Party.. ENDS