30 Nov 2016

Former Botswana Democratic Party regional secretary for Southern Region says contrary to rumors by critics, Botswana Democratic Party is a mix of both young and old.

Mr Fankie Motsaathebe said during BDP victory celebrations in Metlobo on Saturday that the combination of the two is the primary reason his party has enjoyed 50 years of continual rule.

“We draw strength from each other thereby develop the country,” he said.

He thus commended Molapowabojang/Mmathethe lawmaker, Dr Alfred Madigele and existing structures for recruiting new members into the party; something he said was good for any progressive organisation.

Well over sixty people from opposition were received into the partyfold on Saturday.

Mr Motsaathebe called on democrats to press ahead and win as many people into the party fold saying the exercise will help put beyond reach ambition by opposition to win state power and govern.

Like Motsaathebe, Area councillor, Mr Charles Modimothebe took solace at the fact that BDP boasted with a substantial number of young people.

He denounced empty promises by opposition saying BDP remain the lone party which has the welfare of Batswana at heart as evidenced by an array of programmes aimed at eradicating poverty.

“Let me assure you also that the road linking Metlobo and Mmathethe will be tarred next year,” he said.

Councilor Tshupoentle Kgetsi of Maokane gave the people of Molapowabojang/Mmathethe constituency a pat on the back for their choice of Member of Parliament.

She said recent cabinet reshuffle which elevated Dr Madigele from Assistant Minister of Health to being at the helm of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology attest to Dr Madigele’s ability.

Thatwithstanding Councillor Kgetsi warned democrats to guard against internal strife which she said create unnecessary tensions that are not good for the wellbeing of the party.

Rather than employing devices that could reverse the gains achieved thus far, Councillor Kgetsi challenged fellow democrats to take it upon themselves to defend their BDP at all times.

Councillor Simon Ramaphoi of Gasita defended decision by government to put BCL mine on provisional liquidation saying the latter was a liability to government.

“The funds that have been used to bail out the mine could be channeled towards other viable projects,” he said. ENDS