27 Sep 2016

Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi has commended former Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) leaders who guided the party through its nascent stages to becoming one of the world's success stories.
Setting the tone for a panel discussion on September 26 at the National Museum kgotla Mr Masisi who is also MP for Moshupa-Manyana said he was a proud member of the BDP and as the country's 8th vice president he was gratified to be standing on shoulders of 'giants' of the BDP.
“These giants were men and women who were moved by a sense of vision, selflessness, patriotic and believed in ideals that were the foundations of this party. They were fairly young with the Prime Minister at 44 years and his deputy 40,” he said.
Mr Masisi who arrived from the United Nations General Assembly the same day said the tireless efforts of the party's forefathers was even recognized by the likes of United States President Barack Obama who was a year old when BDP was born.  “US President Mr Obama saw the need to applaud this country for policy formulation, judicious management of our economy and we look forward for the next 50 years and hope that the youth will rejuvenate our ambitions, we have a good project in the making called the BDP, we'll play our part and pass on to others to continue” said Mr Masisi.
For his part BOT50 BDP Commemorations Committee Chairperson Mr Fedelis Molao said the panel discussion themed: 'The Building of Botswana by BDP', was a sequel to what was started a week ago by the launch of BDP exhibition. He said since the launch there has been a lot of positive feedback with people appreciating what BDP has put up. Mr Molao said this would help in the culmination of the envisaged BDP Museum going forward. He said his party's political will of building a nation in the past and now was a cause worth celebrating. He explained that they were building on the legacy of the Sir Seretse Khama led administration and were willing to take it forward.
The party invited University of Botswana academics Professor Lily Mafela, Professor Maitseo Bolaane and Dr Boga Manatsha as panelists. They discussed on wide ranging topics bordering mainly on historical background on education in Botswana, The journey of Batswana, Botswana and the ruling BDP as well as the country's success stories and challenges. A 30 minutes documentary called 'The incredible and Inseparable History of BDP and Botswana' was also screened. End