07 Nov 2019

Batswana have been urged to disregard the North-South discourse because it is not only divisive, but borders on tribalism.

Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane acknowledged, in an interview, that the issue had been discussed in the build up to the national elections for political expediency, saying but ‘it not our reality as a country’.

He said Botswana was known as a country that had been able to bring all tribes together to form one nation and that Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) would do all in its power to ensure that this continues.

He said Batswana should not make divisive language a habit as it was dangerous for a nation to promote tribal sentiments.

Mr Tsogwane further indicated that the BDP Constitution’s Article 4 stated that the party shall wage a deliberate and relentless struggle against domination, tribalism, poverty, hunger, ignorance, disease, crime and prejudice.

In this regard, the Vice President said BDP was committed to forming an inclusive government where all Batswana would feel entitled.

“I want Batswana to know that there is no such a thing as North-South axis,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, Mr Tsogwane who is also BDP chairperson and BDP Secretary General, Mr Mpho Balopi welcomed 14 members into the BDP.

Among them was former councilors from Tlogatloga Ward in Gaborone, Ms Roda Sekgororwane, Dikgonnye-Kgomodiatshaba Ward in Mochudi West, Mr Solomon Ruele and Ms Bagaise Mabilo who was a Botswana Movement for Democracy parliamentary candidate for Gaborone South in the recent general elections.

When welcoming them on Wednesday at Tsholetsa House in Gaborone, Mr Tsogwane said the BDP remained the only party that held answers for Batswana.

He called on new members to lure their friends to join the BDP as it remained the only formidable force to reckon with.

He said following their win, the BDP was more resolute on its mandate to make Batswana a proud nation.

Mr Tsogwane said BDP would implement its manifesto and follow a roadmap laid by President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi which underpinned good governance and rule of law among other things.

He said government would continue consultations with public sector unions, consult on press freedom, eradicate abject poverty, fight youth unemployment, diversify the economy and create the ecosystem for the envisaged knowledge based economy which the country aspires for.

Mr Tsogwane indicated that the country would also forge ahead with its transformation agenda, land reforms to ensure Batswana benefit from their economy and in return grow the economy.

For his part, secretary general, Mr Balopi commended Batswana for entrusting BDP to run the country.

He said the President has formed government and that they were steadfast and ready to do their best to deliver their promises to Batswana. Ends