17 Jul 2019

Leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has regretted that Parliament has dismissed a motion that proposed that every Motswana be allocated a 40x40 freehold plot.

Mr Duma Boko was speaking at the launch of the party’s Mogoditshane prospective parliamentary  candidate, Mr Mozambia Dibe and prospective council candidates recently.

He said freehold land was only given to foreigners thereby making Batswana second class citizens in their own country.

Mr Boko told the gathering that UDC had all the answers to wide ranging problems that Batswana were faced with as encompassed in their manifesto, thus urged all eligible voters to vote for his party.

He said their manifesto was shaped by contributions from the general public after consulting them.

Also, he told UDC supporters, who had come in large numbers, that unemployment was skyrocketing and was now a national crisis.

However, he said despite critics and skepticism, the UDC remained resolute in their promises which included creating 100 000 jobs in 12 months after taking over government, the proposed 1:25 student-teacher ratio which would create about 25 000 more jobs for graduates currently roaming the streets, P3 000 minimum wage as well as P1 500 for caregivers and pensioners who had worked hard for the country.

On other issues, Mr Boko explained that the party position to welcome former president Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama was because ‘the party does not hate anyone including the former president. We just didn’t agree with his former party, the BDP.’

On the other hand, UDC vice president, Mr Dumelang Saleshando said they were the only party that had asserted its position in creating jobs for Batswana.

Mr Saleshando therefore urged all to ready themselves for massive jobs as promised by the UDC-led government when they assume state power.

Executive member of the UDC executive member, also MP for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse, said Mr Dibe was the best prospective candidate for Mogoditshane constituency given his academic record.

He said Mr Dibe, a social worker by profession, already knew how to work with communities.

Mr Dibe also holds a Masters Degree in strategic management with a wealth of experience in the private sector and in business, he said.

Mr Phagenyana Phage reiterated Mr Keorapetse’s sentiments saying Mr Dibe had served as a District Commissioner for 15 years, a position he said gave him added advantage in advocacy matters because the position made him the council ex-officio member.

For his par, Mr Dibe said if elected to Parliament in October, he would address rampant crime in Mogoditshane.

He said at the moment the police station in Mogoditshane was already overwhelmed and under-resourced, hence the need for a second police station.

Also, he said he would advocate for Mogoditshane to be independent and be granted a township status. ENDS