10 May 2021

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) members have been hailed for a progressive retreat held to introspect and reflect on progress made in achieving national economic development goals amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Officially closing the two-day retreat in Gaborone Sunday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said he was impressed that the BDP continued to deliver on promises made to Batswana.

Dr Masisi said following Saturday’s national address about resetting priorities to effectively deal with new and unexpected challenges, he would give regular updates on progress.

The priorities include saving Batswana from COVID-19 through the implementation of life saving programmes that include successful and timely vaccination, digitisation and value chain development.

He revealed that another retreat would be scheduled before the winter Parliament.

President Masisi called on party members to gather their thoughts in order to participate in the impending constitutional review process.

He said one of the considerations should be  whether it was realistic for MPs to represent constituents and hold ministerial positions at the same time. 

Juggling the two had in some cases resulted in under-performance at constituency level  and consequently backlash from  voters, the President said.

“We have previously lost capable leaders due to this status quo,” he stated.

Dr Masisi said other matters they should consider were the involvement of dikgosi in politics and how former presidents could be engaged especially on international assignments as the prestige they carried was  enormous.

Party chairman and vice president, Mr Slumber Tsogwane encouraged democrats to support President Masisi and help him achieve his roadmap under the current budgetary constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said it was important to ensure priorities were realised and promises made in the BDP manifesto fulfilled.

“It is important to harness the skills in the private sector and to redouble our efforts in fighting the scourge of corruption,” he said. ends