19 Jul 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has expressed keenness to lead the fight to combat all acts of corruption in Botswana.

 In his keynote address to the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) national  council in Gaborone on Saturday, he acknowledged that beneficiaries of corruption would never surrender without a fight.

 Dr Masisi promised that his government would remain true to its promise to lead by example in the fight against corrupt practices.

He said such practices  robbed Batswana of the resources required for development and job creation.

In addition, they deprived hardworking citizens and dutiful taxpayers of the rightful critical services, said Dr Maisi.

“We cannot allow corrupt practices to write off the true story and profile of Botswana that we have worked so hard to build and preserve under the leadership of the  BDP since its country’s formative years,” he said.

On the country’s achievements,  the President said efforts to attract foreign direct investment were bearing fruit as evidenced by the establishment of a COVID-19 vaccine plant in Botswana, which was underway.

The project was the result of partnership between Botswana  and Californian-based Nantworks company.

He stated that the recently signed agreement between Botswana Institute of Technology Research and Canada’s Process Research would see the country producing high-quality electric vehicles as well as large energy storage ones.

The President said other notable achievements were in the area of international relations and cooperation.

“The country has continued to cooperate with its neighbours, through various bilateral mechanisms as well as the membership to the  Southern  African Development  Community,” he said.

For his part, vice president and BDP chairperson Mr Slumber Tsogwane urged party members to continue striving to build a cohesive and united BDP.

 He said the party had laid a strong foundation of national unity and true democracy  through consultation and transparency.

“We have every reason to celebrate the past 60 years of our existence as a party and collectively forge a future spearheaded by visionary leadership, which has the interests of our people and the country at heart,” he said.

Mr Tsogwane urged all BDP members to stand by one another at all times.

They were advised to desist from attacking one another but to instead focus on building a united Botswana.

Mr Tsogwane said the council was an opportunity for introspection and providing solutions that would breathe new life into the party. BOPA