02 Oct 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has called on members of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to attract swing voters by promoting the party’s manifesto.

His remarks came during the launch of prospective parliamentary candidate for Mogoditshane West, Mr Tumiso Rakgare, on Tuesday.

President Masisi emphasised that the BDP was the only political party with a proven track record, citing the successful implementation of policies as outlined in the 2019 party manifesto.

He appealed to Batswana to grant him another mandate, highlighting the numerous achievements of his administration.

“Unlike the opposition, we will not make empty promises,” he stated.

President Masisi criticised the opposition’s proposal of a minimum wage of P4 000, arguing that such an initiative was impractical.

“An employee earning P4 000 will have to pay an equal amount to her maid, and this is not realistic,” he asserted.

Furthermore, President Masisi detailed the BDP’s commitment to sustainable development through viable programmes aimed at uplifting the nation.

He urged voters in Mogoditshane West to support Mr Rakgare and council candidates, assuring them that they would work tirelessly to enhance the community and drive economic empowerment initiatives.

Reflecting on his administration, the President noted that he has fostered a better relationship with unions, creating a favourable bargaining environment.

He reiterated how his government had opened doors for Batswana to run home businesses and tourism facilities, which were previously off-limits.

He also addressed critical infrastructure challenges, such as access to potable water.

“Through my leadership, several major water projects have been undertaken,” he explained.

Additionally, he said he  introduced the Chema Chema initiative, which aimed to empower every Motswana to start a business, offering funding and free training for aspiring entrepreneurs.

President Masisi highlighted the provision of secure title deeds for residential plots, stating it enabled citizens to use their properties as collateral for loans.

He further assured that the government compensated market rates when repossessing land for development projects.

“We are now pursuing those who have illegally acquired plots in Mogoditshane,” he remarked, adding that the public will no longer see inflated project costs such as a toilet built for P1 million.

President said there was one party that lacked a clear manifesto, except for the slogan ‘ntsha Masisi.’ He questioned their plans for governance beyond 2028.

He also advised Batswana to disregard independent candidates, emphasising their inability to effect change in Parliament due to a lack of representation.

“Independent candidates do not have manifestos and do not have a President. How then will they develop their areas?” he queried, urging ‘Mekoko’ or independent candidate to reconcile with their political parties.

Dr Masisi urged party members to familiarise themselves with the BDP manifesto, which he stated would expand programs.

He outlined his focus on advancing the agricultural, health, and education sectors to foster a knowledge-based economy.

He noted that the government would receive P1 billion annually from De Beers under a new agreement, which would support youth economic empowerment and diversification.

Emphasising the need for the BDP to retain power, President Masisi discussed several upcoming projects, including the construction of the Lentsweletau-Molepolole road as part of National Development Plan (NDP) 12.

He also announced that Botswana will host a major international event in December, expecting 4 000 delegates, which he believes will significantly boost the local economy.

He said encouraged residents of Mogoditshane West to support Mr Rakgare, commending his contributions as a minister responsible for creatives and sports.

Although the country faced challenges in its bid to host AFCON 2027, Dr Masisi assured the audience that valuable lessons were learnt for future endeavours.

President Masisi said the BDP government acted responsibly during the COVID-19 pandemic and said should there be a similar threat, funds earmarked for projects would be used to fight against the scourge as concerns over Mpox remain.

Voters were reminded to keep registration cards safe and to ensure their Identity Cards are valid.

For his part, Mr Rakgare said he would continue to defend President Masisi and his party, adding that he abhorred corruption.

He said since Mogoditshane/Thamaga has been declared a district, there were several opportunities available and said with his councillors, they would put an eye on everything to ensure there are no corruption deals undertaken.

Mr Rakgare said after he decried the high crime rates in the area, Mogoditshane would get a second police station.

Mr Rakgare said Omang and CEDA offices would soon open their branches in the area adding that the population of Mogoditshane warranted having services such as a sub-land board, another police station and an upgraded sewage system.

Other speakers urged the BDP members to canvass votes for Mr Rakgare and his councillors. Prospective Nkoyaphiri council candidate, Mr Bakang Matlho, urged the voters to elect their candidate saying he is a bonafide Mogoditshane resident.

“I challenged him to check if he has numbers and if he was strong and he passed the test and therefore I urge you to re-elect him,” he said. 

Minitser of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Annah Mokgethi, who is the prospective candidate for Gaborone Bonnington North, said they have found a good home in the BDP after leaving the Botswana Congress Party.

She said Mr Rakgare has stood up against corruption and has done well as the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture, saying allowances for the Olympic teams have been increased and Miss Botswana was also well taken care of.

“Olympic medalists received houses during his tenure, which was a first in the country and Letsile Tebogo received two,” she said.

She said the government has not prescribed minimum wage, adding therefore companies were allowed to pay what they can afford.

Mr Palelo Motaosane, prospective parliamentary  candidate for Thamaga/Kumakwane constituency, said Mr Rakgare had proved himself through his works as a minister and MP and therefore. Ends