03 Feb 2019

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has called for unity within the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

Addressing party members at the BDP national retreat  in Palapye on Saturday, President Masisi said unity would drive the party into success.

He said members should support each other during this year’s general elections.

He said there was need to be disciplined, energized and ready to take on any challenges that might come by.

President Masisi requested all attendants to rise to their feet and hold each other’s hands.

“The BDP is the leadership of Botswana; it is a track record of Botswana. The BDP government is the salvation of Africa and every criticism of instability of Africa can never be defended if Botswana’s democracy and stability collapses,” he said.

He said there would be consultation between BDP members and citizenry before decisions were taken.

President Masisi said room should be made for the citizenry and opposition to air their views.

President Masisi also vowed that BDP would combat corruption tooth and nail.

“We are not going after anybody, but we intend to have the citizenry to trust and have faith in us. Everything will be transparent in the public service and we will fight corruption,” he said.

Furthermore, he told democrats that he embraced a challenge for the leadership of the BDP from anybody including Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi.

“BDP is a democratic organisation and Dr Venson-Moitoi is in her constitutional and democratic right to challenge his presidency,” he said.

He said the BDP members’ voice would be heard and their decision would be upheld and at the end of the day democracy and the BDP would prevail.

Dr Masisi explained that the BDP government would work hand in hand with unions and there would be a salary increment for civil servants.

However, he mentioned that the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mr Kenneth Matambo would state everything during his budget speech scheduled for today.

The President stated that 613 council and 57 parliamentary candidates for the general election would be launched in due course. Ends