02 Sep 2019

The Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, says Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) government, under the stewardship of President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, is determined to make the nation compatible to the 21st century challenges.

Launching Lerala/Mauntlala prospective parliamentary and council candidates in Lerala on Sunday, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said the fourth industrial revolution and the quest to establish a diverse economy driven by a knowledge based society required a determined and resolute political party.

He said it was unfortunate to note that some individuals were criticising President Masisi for undertaking international trips.

Mr Tsogwane said such trips were aimed at luring potential investors. “I have no doubt that President Masisi is determined to positively improve the country’s image in the international market,” he said.

The Vice President, aslo BDP chairperson, said the party was launching a team that was determined to serve the nation’s interests.

He said the BDP would guide the nation along the path paved by President Masisi.

“We are here to ask for your vote, we are proud of what we have done for the people,” he said.

Mr Tsogwane highlighted that the BDP leadership was guided by a strong foundation that was laid down by the party’s founding fathers. He said the BDP constitution had a vision that was inclusive of all and aimed at addressing poverty and unemployment, among other challenges.

He said it was unfortunate to note that certain individuals claimed unfair treatment after losing party primary elections.

He said if all party members who lost at primary elections were to form their parties then each household would have a party.

“We must not be deceived by people who made decisions out of anger and who are only interested in serving personal egos,” he said.

According to Mr Tsogwane, independent candidates and those who made hasty decisions out of frustration would not form a reputable government that would serve the people’s interests.

The BDP chairperson said the country’s economy was driven by revenue from minerals, following a policy by the BDP government to ensure that revenue from diamonds and tourism benefited the whole nation not only communities where such natural resources were located.

“We had over the years, steadily driven the economy from the humanitarian aid dependency syndrome to the one that can stand on its own and fend for its people,” said Mr Tsogwane.

He assured democrats that they were determined to substantiate the economy through robust policies and programmes.

The BDP government, he said, would continue to empower the public service with the requisite skills to be compatible with the fifth estate and demands of the fourth industrial revolution.

A well-trained and well equipped public service, he added, would improve service delivery.

“They must be thoroughly trained to ensure effectiveness and rapid response to workplace challenges,” he said. Mr Tsogwane also indicated that the BDP government was working on improving the rural economy through the rural development policy.For his part, prospective parliamentary candidate for Lerala/Maunatlala, Mr Sethabelo Modukanele, assured Mr Tsogwane that their party was represented by a team of reputable men and women who would not disappoint.

Mr Modukanele said they were determined to help government take the nation forward. ENDS