20 Oct 2024

Residents of Metsimotlhabe-Mmopane have been encouraged to vote for Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) candidates in the upcoming general elections.

Launching area parliamentary candidate, Mr James Lekgetho and councilors in Metsimotlhabe on Friday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said BDP was the only party that deserved to be voted for as it was trustworthy with a good record.

President Masisi stressed that the BDP was the only trustworthy party, boasting a commendable track record. He asserted that an overwhelming victory for the BDP would facilitate development, as it would allow him to govern without opposition hindering progress. For instance, Dr Masisi said the Constitution Amendment Bill that recently failed to pass through Parliament was due to the BDP’s lack of sufficient parliamentary seats BDP. 

He said failure of the Bill to pass meant that the number of Specially Elected MPs would not be increased to 10, saying he intended to appoint people or minority groups to parliament.

Dr Masisi further said the Bill sought to give employees the right to bargain with their employers.   This, he said was because opposition members only blocked the ruling party’s initiatives.

The President said government, although faced with challenges from COVID-19 pandemic, was able to deliver its promises within two and a half years.

He revealed that significant resources had been diverted to vaccine procurement, prioritising the health and safety of citizens during the height of the crisis. President Dr Masisi said following the recovery, government had been able to undertake major developments across the country, saying prior to 2019, the nation faced shortage of water, undeveloped road infrastructure and constant blackouts due to insufficient electricity supply.

He said they were able to develop e-mobility programme and electric vehicles, through the assistance of China, and were now being assembled in Botswana.

Dr Masisi said the Chinese were the only one whose terms were favourable, adding that in time they would set-up a completely knocked down vehicle assembly in the country.

He further said this had potential to increase more job opportunities through value chain development as some parts would be developed in the country.

The president said Chinese had agreed that it should be given a local name and every Motswana will be given an opportunity to suggest a name.

Dr Masisi refuted allegations surrounding the purchase of Tautona Lodge, clarifying that it was acquired by the government for official use, not for personal ownership. 

Talking about  Mr Lekgetho, President Masisi said the aspiring  candidate had demonstrated that he was a hard worker during his 10 years in council adding that it was through his dedication that Mmopane and Metsimotlhabe were developed and more developments were coming.

Amongst the developments are the new primary and secondary school and expansion of a clinic that will have a maternity wing and operate on a 24 hour basis.

Further, Dr Masisi said Chinese government would develop a road from Mmopane to Block 8.

All the council candidates were males and the president said this should in future be corrected and encouraged women to participate in politics.

In his words, Mr Lekgetho promised to work hard for the constituents. He said he would abide by the party rules.

Mr Tumiso Rakgare, the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, who is also the BDP candidate for Mogoditshane West, said Mr Lekgetho deserved to be in parliament as he has a good track record.

He described him as a humble man who was worthy to be trusted and was also a hard worker. Ends.bopa.sef.19.10.24