17 Oct 2024

Former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Pono Moatlhodi says the national economy remains intact.

Speaking at the launch of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) parliamentary and council candidates for Gaborone Central constituency, Mr Moatlhodi said the economy was expected to grow.

He said one of the revenue sources, Southern African Customs Union (SACU) was expected to credit the government consolidated fund in three months’ time. He said funds amounting to billions were to be credited by November, adding that would improve the status of the national coffers.

“Kare SACU e tsenya six billion, very soon,” he said, meaning revenue expected from SACU stood at P6 billion.

He appealed to the civil servants not to fear, assuring them that they would be paid as usual as the government funds had not been negatively affected.

“Our consolidated fund, the government account from which we debit and credit your respective account, is extraordinarily healthy and shall continue to be extraordinarily healthy,” he said.

Speaking about appointment  of women into leadership positions,  he said nearly all the ministries were headed by females and for the first time in the history of the country, there was a female Permanent Secretary to the President.

He said Ms Emma Peloetletse was perfect for the position as she had the right qualifications and had a clean track record. The former Deputy Speaker said civil servants were the government as politicians were policy implementation drivers.

For his part, the Gaborone Central candidate, Mr Bontsi Monare said he and the seven council candidates would deliver the constituency to the BDP. He said he would embark on a house to house campaign to woo voters.

Mr Monare said residents of Gaborone Central knew him and should vote him as he had their interests at heart. ENDS