19 Feb 2018

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) secretary general, Mr Mpho Balopi has implored the organisation’s youth to remain relevant and competitive to dynamic forces.

He said the BDP youth organisation must adapt and transfer itself to assimilate to modern day challenges and practices.

Mr Balopi was officially opening the second BDP National Youth Council and Policy Forum in Bobonong on Friday.

Mr Balopi noted that the BDP youth were the future leaders and the torch bearers of the future of the organisation, government and the country.

He also implored them to be loyal to the BDP and be disciplined to enable them to carry Botswana forward.

Mr Balopi also requested the youth to align the youth council’s programmes and policies with Vision 2036 objectives during their two-day deliberations.

He explained that the outcome of their input would determine how they would contribute in taking the country further.

Mr Balopi said the party must listen intently to what the people were saying and that platforms such as the Youth National Council provides a way for young people to present their aspirations.

For his part, BDP National Youth Executive Committee chairperson, Mr Simon Moabi explained that the forum was held for the organisation’s youth to engage on issues affecting them and map a way forward.

He said the meeting demonstrated their desire to have a united empowered youth eager to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Mr Moabi noted that during the meeting, the BDP youth would take part in robust policy debate, discuss the various social ills that impacted negatively on youth of this country and come up with ways to tackle them.

Further, he said they would look at ways to strengthen their structures in a manner that would enable them to constructively play an active role in society.

Council, he said, had made some achievements, which included registration of 1 250 new members, creation of a platform where they could work together with Student Representative Councils of different institutions as well increased youth participation and engagement in party activities, among other issues.

Regarding the suspension of six members of NYEC, he said the committee was compelled to implement changes consistent with the verdict of those who were suspended.

He said to that effect, the NYEC co-opted as new members Mssrs Ronald Kgathi, Tony Sebabi, Otsile Machona, Ronald Lekokoma, Lebogang Katlholo and Ms Bone Letlole.

Meanwhile, BOMASE regional chairperson, Mr Tsotso Segona, who is also Councillor for Sefhophe encouraged youth to work hard for the party and do their best to help elevate the lives of ordinary Batswana.

He also said the youth should come up with solutions to any challenges experienced in the party’s youth organisation.

Councillor Segona also encouraged BDP youth to utilise programmes and policies to empower themselves.

The forum, which ended on Sunday, was attended by youth representatives from 57 constituencies and members of the NYEC. Ends