16 Jul 2024

Batswana have been urged to entrust Botswana Congress Party (BCP) with their votes in the upcoming general elections billed for October.

Giving a keynote address at the party’s 16^th national conference themed, Enough is Enough: Save Botswana, held at Maun Senior Secondary School on Sunday, BCP leader, Mr Dumelang Saleshando said they were ready to govern and address challenges that Batswana were faced with.

Mr Saleshando said the BCP was the party that could be trusted by all because it advocated for the second generation human rights.

“Second generation human rights are based on the principles of social justice, right to quality education, quality health and decent jobs, among others,” he said.

Again, he said BCP had a clear manifesto, believed in good governance and democracy and also delicate to Batswana’s interests.

Furthermore, he told the conference that BCP had identified 31 constituencies out of the 61 that they were confident to win.  

He thus emphasised the need for Batswana to take the responsibility and exercise their democratic right and vote BCP 

Currently, he said the country was faced with a number of challenges such as corruption, unemployment, poverty and noted that ‘it is time to give BCP a chance to deliver a new government come October 2024.’

He also appreciated cooperation and unity that prevailed amongst fellow members, saying for the past 14 years as the leader, he had seen significant growth of the party. 

He also informed the gathering that they would be going into the general election in coalition with other parties.

Meanwhile, Mr Saleshando welcomed new members from Botswana National Front (BNF); Mr Masego Segokgo, Mr Obakeng Moumakwa and Mr Thomas Kgethenyane who would all be contesting for parliamentary positions for Tlokweng, Kgalagadi North and Boteti West respectively.

For his part, MELS leader, Mr Themba Joina thanked BCP leadership to engage trade unions and discuss their challenges and how they would address them. 

Mr Joina said employees were important in general elections considering their numbers, hence their welfare and working conditions should be prioritised.

He also appealed to party structures to support the leadership and campaign managers saying the party was financially constrained and it was upon fellow members to assist in order to have successful campaigns.

A representative from Botswana Labour Party (BLP), Mr Cornelius Toka commended the BCP conference for its focus on preparing for the upcoming general elections.

Mr Toka said the party boasted quality candidates who could transform the country if given the chance to lead, citing of Dr Unity Dow whom, he said had contributed immensely to formulation of some laws in the country.

He said the party had competent leadership and was ready to take the country to greater heights and therefore pleaded with Batswana to support them to win elections.

“BCP is the only hope and we expect more members from BNF to join the party soon because this party has a clear manifesto and ready to lead the country,” he added.

Giving solidarity message, Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) acting president, Mr Mothusi Mojela recognised the BCP leadership and its members for being principled and loyal to their party and fighting for what they believed in.

Mr Mojela said the BCP conference was timely because workers were facing a plethora of challenges, especially those in parastatals. Ends