25 Aug 2019

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) government, under the leadership of President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, has renewed hope for Batswana.The Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, said this during the launch of Lephephe/Letlhakeng prospective member of parliament, Mr Liakat Kablay and council hopefuls in Letlhakeng on August 22.

Mr Tsogwane, who is also the BDP chairperson, appealed to voters to retain the current government because it was dedicated to improving the citizens’ well being through various programmes and initiatives.

The Vice President said Dr Masisi’s leadership saw the introduction of many reforms to improve various sectors.

He said his administration had also afforded Batswana some liberty.

The BDP, he said, had delivered on its promises, adding that the party manifesto was aligned to the National Development Plan 11.

He said the BDP manifesto spelt out their intentions, which were in line with economic growth.

Mr Tsogwane said they had a plan to develop the economy while the opposition failed to explain how it would do so except to promise Batswana things that were not attainable.

Botswana, he said, had long been classified as a middle income economy and this challenged the leadership to come up with ways of turning the economy around.

He said under Dr Masisi’s leadership, different initiatives had been introduced to enhance the ease of doing business in Botswana.

He said government was determined to diversify the economy and create business opportunities that would in turn create employment.

He said the recent Parliament session adopted the land policy, which would allow Batswana to effectively use land, especially in the agricultural sector.

Parliament has approved the increase in the amount of land for either ancillary or complete change of land use from 15 per cent to 50 per cent.

In reference to Mr Kablay, the vice president said the MP represented his constituency well and fought for it to be developed.

He appealed to voters to elect him together with a team of councillors as doing so would be securing the BDP’s chance of leading the country again.

The BDP secretary general, Mr Mpho Balopi, said Batswana should not allow peace to elude them.

He said the BDP had ensured peace even in midst of challenges.

Mr Balopi said the party could be trusted since it had proved itself by leading Batswana peacefully for many years.

He too urged voters to choose peace and vote for the BDP.

Party elder and former minister and MP for Letlhakeng, Mr Boometso Mokgothu, said the constituency was a BDP stronghold and all were working together to make sure the BDP wins it.

Mr Mokgothu advised members of the BDP who split their votes to desist from such saying it hindered the BDP caucus.

He added that some members had a tendency to vote for the MP and then vote for an opposition councillor.

Campaign manager, Mr Kelatlhegile Ditsebe said 14 536 eligible voters had registered to vote in the Letlhakeng-Lephephe constituency and their intention was to win the constituency together with the eight council wards.

Mr Ditsebe said in 2014, they lost two council wards to opposition parties being Ngware and Letlhakeng South but their intention was to win them back.

For his part, Mr Kablay accepted to represent the constituency in Parliament and promised to do his best.

He said some developments such as solar streets lights and tarred roads were done during his leadership.

Mr Kablay promised to continue to respect and obey the leadership of the party and work with them to take Botswana forward and urged voters to vote for him and the team of councillors. ENDS