19 Mar 2017

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama says Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) still remains the only party that love and care about Batswana.

Speaking at the the party's women's wing congress recently, President Khama said opposition parties were living in fear because they knew that they would never have a chance to be in power and lead the country.

He said opposition party leaders were also not patriotic and yet they were hungry to take power.

Last year during the jubilee celebrationS, he sais they failed to put on the national colours just like other Batswana noting that recently the nation held a thanksgiving event for the recent rains and the leaders failed to embrace the event.

He said only Gaborone City Council (GCC) mayor honoured the invitation and showed patriotism.

President Khama observed that his party had the interest of Batswana at heart hence they continued to vote for it.

He however urged fellow democrats to continue with the recruitment drive which he said had yielded encouraging results.

Fellow democrats were advised to welcome new members and make them feel at home adding that they should show them that indeed there was no alternative to move Botswana forward.

Attendants were as also informed that the party turned 55 years on February 28, 2017 and that the anniversary celebrations would be held on August  26, 2017.

For his part, BDP chairperson, also Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi urged women to lead in the recruitment drive adding that they had a strong voice and the zeal to bring life to the party.

Mr Masisi said the party prided itself with the determination and commitment demonstrated by women in driving the mandate of the party.

He also emphasised unity and teamwork amongst fellow democrats.

Representatives from Namibia and Mozambique also attended the congress.

Ms Eunice Ipinge, who is SWAPO Women’s Council secretary from Namibia, thanked the BDP women’s wing for inviting them as that strengthened the relationship enjoyed by the two governments.

Ms Ipinge said the congress would give BDP women a platform to reflect on issues affecting women in Botswana and come up with best solutions.

She also noted as women they shared issues and challenges, and thus emphasised the need to include the majority in the decision making in order for development to be achieved.

She appreciated that in Namibia, government amended the Constitution to include 50/50 representation.

She also stressed the need to support women’s as they played an active role in socio-economic issues and eradicating poverty adding that there was also need to come up with appropriate strategies that would improve the welfare of women and girl child.

For his part, North West regional chairperson, Mr Eagaile Modisaemang thanked all who contributed meaningfully towards the success of the congress.

Mr Modisaemang also appreciated efforts by the women’s wing chairperson in securing the venue for the event.

Lastly, he informed the gathering that his region was a step head in some issues such as women representation in party structures noting that their committee had three women and three men respectively. ENDS