27 Oct 2024

Former Minister and businessman Mr Charles Tibone has appealed to Ghanzi constituents to cast their votes for the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the upcoming elections on Wednesday. 

He emphasised that providing the party leadership with more time would allow for effective delivery on crucial ongoing and planned projects that were vital for economic growth.

Mr Tibone made this appeal during the launch of the BDP’s Ghanzi parliamentary candidate, Mr John Thiite, along with 19 council candidates in Ghanzi on Saturday.

He highlighted the BDP’s visionary leadership, which had made significant investments in infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, water, and energy projects critical for improving the quality of life for citizens.

Among the party’s commitments, Mr Tibone noted efforts to enhance potable water reticulation and related works, mentioning a substantial P16 billion investment aimed at implementing key projects such as the North-South Carrier (NSC) and the Ncojane-Ghanzi and Ncojane-Macheng water pipelines. He also discussed various empowerment programmes, including Chema Chema, Temo-letlotlo, and Thuo-letlotlo, designed to bolster the agricultural sector and enhance food security across the nation.

If re-elected, Mr Tibone assured constituents that the BDP would ensure continuity of the programmes, which were essential catalysts for development throughout the country. 

He praised the Ghanzi farmers for their longstanding tradition of excellence in cattle production and highlighted the district’s economic diversification efforts, which now included sectors like horticulture and mining.

Encouraging farmers to lead in expanding the beef market, Mr Tibone spoke about the liberalisation of Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) and the establishment of abattoirs to complement existing ones, thereby meeting both local and international beef demand.

Another former Minister and prominent farmer, Mr Johnnie Swartz, also addressed voters, urging them to support the BDP, which he described as the party with a proven track record of impactful programmes and robust projects aimed at fostering industrial and personal development. 

He criticised opposition parties for what he called unrealistic promises, including a P4 000 living wage, and reiterated that the BDP was committed to implementing sustainable programmes to improve lives.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Thiite promised to be the custodian of government programmes, including the Chema Chema initiative and other poverty eradication efforts aimed at uplifting local communities.

“Ke kopa tlhopho mo go lona madomokoraga, gammogo le lona ba UDC, ke ye go lo emela kwa Palamenteng, gore ke ye go tsweledisa se re se simolotseng ka ngwaga wa 1966 le go ya pele,” he stated, expressing his dedication to working collaboratively with stakeholders to further develop the district and create more job opportunities.

Member of Central Committee (MCC) Ms Gaolatlhe Vhumbe lauded BDP members for their enduring commitment to the party’s legacy since its inception. She urged party members to remain united in order to maintain the BDP’s governance for years to come. Ms Vhumbe commended Mr Thiite for his hard work and advocacy for local development initiatives, including the recent launch of Ghanzi’s land servicing infrastructure and wastewater treatment plant, along with the refurbishment of the old Ghanzi primary hospital. 

She emphasised the importance of women’s representation in politics, urging constituents to vote for the numerous female candidates in Ghanzi to align with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s call for increased women in the political spectrum. Ends