17 Sep 2019

Members of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party have been urged to engage in more robust campaign strategies that will help the party win the elections. 

Speaking on September 16 at a BDP rally at Ramokgonami attended by among others, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, former Bobonong MP, Mr Shaw Kgathi said campaigns for the general elections were at their peak and therefore, the party must up its game.

“We must change our system and engage more on offensive strategies. The time is now, let us work hard and entice electorate to vote in our favour,” he said.

He told fellow democrats that preserving democratic Botswana was dependent on their vote at the general polls. 

He said the BDP-led government was the sole custodian of democratic principles because its manifesto speaks to the interests of the people.

Mr Kgathi said the BDP was not immune to individual members who displayed wayward behaviour, but added that unruly behaviour would be dealt with accordingly, to restore the positive image of the BDP brand, which has for years served the people diligently. 

He said the party was led by resolute and dedicated leaders who were focused on developing and diversifying the economy. Among other challenges focused on, he said was uprooting corruption and addressing unemployment.

“In President Dr Masisi, we have a resolute leader who is focused on developing the nation,” he said. Mr Kgathi cautioned BDP members to be mindful of their actions as they have the potential of building or breaking the party. 

“The nation’s hope of a better Botswana lies in your hands and therefore work hard, vote for the BDP and preserve a positive future,” said Mr Kgathi.

Former Selebi Phikwe East MP Mr Nonofo Molefhi cautioned members that their actions had the power to tarnish the image of the country, and said decisions aimed at self-gratification would never serve the interest of the people. 

“Your actions must primarily be focused on creating a better future,” he said. 

He also said the BDP-led government had been obedient and faithful in serving the people with the development agenda that serve their interests. Mr Molefhi further assured BDP members that BDP government was at an advanced stage in preparing the country and its people for the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution.

He said a knowledgeable society well equipped with technology would grow the economy.

He said Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Botswana Innovation Hub and BITRI were some of the strategies to prove that the BDP government was at an advanced stage in establishing a knowledge based economy and surviving the fourth industrial revolution. “We are focused and determined on developing the economy that will serve its people,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Ms Tebelelo Seretse, a BDP campaign strategy leader assured President Masisi that the party would thrive at the national polls. She appealed to fellow party members to be focused. 

She said under BDP government, the rule of law would always prevail and that they would, without doubt, deal thoroughly with social ills such as corruption and crime.

“The BDP government under the leadership of President Masisi allows for freedom of speech and expression. The media can attest to that,” said Ms Seretse. 

Where possible, Ms Seretse said the BDP government prioritises sustaining people’s lives. Ms Seretse said subsidising prices of some food items and fuel were some of the government efforts of easing burden on livelihoods. 

Ms Seretse appealed to BDP members to consult the community with love and respect when they campaign.

The prospective parliamentary candidate for Sefhare/Ramokgonami,  Ms Dorcas Makgato said, “After the general elections, I want to be counted among those who stood firm and defended the BDP. I have hope and I am not ashamed to attest to it. I can confirm that party members in the constituency are ready,” she said. 

Ms Makgato observed that between 2014 and 2019 government had spent over P1 billion in the development projects in the Sefhare/Ramokgonami constituency. She said the developments included tarring of roads, electricity works and the development of educational infrastructure. ENDS