19 Dec 2017

Secretary general of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Mr Mpho Balopi has hailed teachers for the work they continue to render to the public as it has the potential to change their lives positively in many ways.

Addressing a press briefing recently in Gaborone, Mr Balopi noted that teachers, as founders and builders of the nation, continued to enrich the country in various ways because every academic pass through the abled leadership of a teacher.

He further said as BDP, they were happy to have been invited to Botswana Teachers Union’s 80 years anniversary celebration last Saturday, noting that as a ruling party they recognise the contribution made by teachers in the economy and development of the country.

He however, noted that BDP supported and subscribed to the rights of unionism because that alone could drive the country to prosperity.
Meanwhile, Mr Balopi refuted allegations circulating in the media that the BDP secretariat was sabotaging those who were against Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi during the Tonota elective congress.

He said there was no truth in that those seeking to stand for council and parliamentary positions through the envisaged party primary elections ahead of the national election were being sabotaged as there were properly laid down procedures and regulations to follow.     

On another issue, he said the party was not involved in any corrupt or illegal party funding as it had a clearly articulated clause regarding how the party could generate its funds through lawful means, which also included donations to the party.

In this regard, he said as the ruling party, they abhor corrupt practices to the extent that they had put in place agencies such as Financial Intelligence Agency and the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime to deal with such issues which also touched on money laundering.

He further said the party was still on recruitment drive and showcased two members from Francistown, who were recruited from the leadership of Botswana Congress Party in the Francistown West Constituency.

The two are Messrs Isaac Keleagetse and Barulaganye Mooketsi.  

Meanwhile, deputy secretary general of BDP, Mr Shaw Kgathi said this past Parliament sitting, where State President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama gave his last State of the Nation Address, was progressive as three Bills touching directly on the lives of the people were passed. The Bills are; Competition Bill, Consumer Bill and the BDF Bill.

At the same event, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Mr Thapelo Olopeng announced that Cabinet had agreed to extend entertainment hours from 6pm to 6am on December 25, 26 and 31 as well as on January 1 and 2 to allow for people to celebrate peacefully.

He however urged members of the public to avoid unnecessary road accidents, which lead to loss of live. Ends