16 Sep 2019

Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) leader, Advocate Duma Boko, says the coalition subscribes to a high wage economy.

Launching the UDC pprospective parliamentary candidate for Francistown South, Mr Tiroaene Ntsima and councillors over the weekend, Advocate Boko said if voted into power, UDC would have a living wage at P3 000 per month, while old age pension would be increased to P 1 500.

The UDC leader said statistics indicated that about 87 000 youths from tertiary institutions were roaming the streets without employment, hence UDC pledge to create 100 000 jobs within 12 months.

He ealso stated that UDC would re-open the BCL Mine in Selebi Phikwe because  nickel prices had more than doubled from 2016.

He said closure of the mine contributed to the loss of more than 5 000 direct jobs and over 15 000 indirect jobs.

Advocate Boko said another way of creating employment would be through world class infrastructure by turning the (Ramatlabama/Ramokgwebana) highway into a three carriageway. 

Former member of parliament for Francistown South, Mr Vain Mamela said research had indicated that it was possible that the living wage could be P3 000 per month, citing that the World Bank had indicated that Botswana was capable of paying a minimum living wage of P3 100. 

Mr Mamela urged voters to shun other parties and vote for the UDC.  

Another speaker and UDC prospective parliamentary candidate for Tonota constituency, Mr Pono Moatlhodi said if voted into power, UDC would provide sanitary pads for free. 

For his part, Mr Ntsima promised that he would deliver on his mandate if voted into power together with council hopefuls.

Mr Ntsima said UDC was talking about real issues and would never promise Batswana the impossible. ends