27 Jun 2017

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) chairperson  Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi says it is time to celebrate the late second president of Botswana, Sir Ketumile Masire’s life as he is leaving behind ‘an innumerable legacy.’

Speaking at a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) congress in Moshupa on Sunday, Mr Masisi, who is also Vice President and MP for Moshupa/Manyana comforted the nation and asked them not to despair, but rather to celebrate the achievements of the fallen hero.

He said the late former president as a father of the nation, had laid a foundation for both the BDP and the nation at large that continued to touch the lives of many Batswana, making Botswana an envy of many nations.

A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of the fallen hero prior to the meeting as he was exemplary  in many respects and the torch bearer in Africa and beyond.

The Vice President encouraged democrats to love their party more, wear party colours; paint the country with party regalia in their respective areas as well as chant party slogans with vigour as they gear up for the up coming general elections slated for 2019.

Mr Masisi implored members to work on averting pitfalls and called for recruitment of new members in order to defeat the opposition in the up-coming general elections.

He said BDP was a party envied by many because of its visionary leadership, sound party structures, democratic ideals, respect and direction.

Mr Masisi urged people to vote for BDP as it had got what it takes to propel the country to another level. The Vice President welcomed six people from the opposition into the party.

Meanwhile, the Moshupa congress was meant to inspect party structures and step up the gear for the upcoming BDP national congress in July.

For his part, former BDP secretary general, Mr Mpho Balopi thanked delegates for availing themselves despite their busy schedules.

Mr Balopi said the Moshupa congress was a turning point in history in the sense that the current President, Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama would hand over the presidency baton to Mr Masisi next April as the country’s constitution allows for automatic succession.

He urged democrats to vote in large numbers. ENDS