10 Nov 2017

Leader of Opposition Mr Duma Boko says whilst as the opposition they appreciate the positive sovereign credit rating; that did not warrant the nation to take its focus off the economy’s dismal performance at the macro-economic level.

“We have a duty to transform our economy, broaden and accelerate growth as well as create opportunity for all to earn, through their own hard work and enterprise, the kind of lives they desire. We must also convert our exhaustible natural wealth into sustainable alternatives, especially human capital, innovation capabilities and good institutions,” he elaborated.

During his response to the State Of the Nation Address (SONA) on November 8, Mr Boko said the economy had failed to meet the expectations of its stakeholders, resulting in unemployment, poverty, inequality and exclusion.

He said in order to correct the situation, there was in addition to putting in place a competent, ethical and far-sighted leadership; there was a need to adopt an alternative economic model for Botswana, as well as to ensure an accelerated job creation, amongst other things.

Additionally, Mr Boko indicated that it was critical to do away with the many restrictions to doing business in Botswana.

“We must become truly steeped in values of innovation, flexibility and plurality,” he said.

He said presently the nation yearned for a Botswana that has a dynamic and rapidly modernising economy whose growth was rapid, broad-based, inclusive and sustainable.

Such an economy, he noted should be able to deliver full employment and a high wage economy, as well as a sustained non-mining GDP growth capable of transforming the economy.

Stating that development was synonymous with freedom, Mr Boko indicated that it was thus critical to ensure that people were allowed to enjoy such freedom that comes with being developed regardless of their income status, tribe, race or creed.

“Our failure to accord every citizen opportunity to lead the life they desire for themselves and their family is an affront to God’s agenda for humanity,” he said.

Among the things that would bring about the reality that Batswana yearned for, was investing in the education system through the building of a first rate public education system that among others guaranteed all children access to education of universally acceptable standards.

Mr Boko said there was also need to invest in first rate infrastructure that would bolster the economy and raise external competitiveness of businesses.

Mr Boko also castigated government for having actively sought to weaken and marginalise organised labour, which he described as another powerful wellspring of democracy.

“The effects of taking this path are palpable. Public servants are disillusioned and productivity in the public service has suffered,” he said, observing how good industrial relations yielded labour market stability, which he indicated was good for broader socio-economic objectives. On the media, Mr Boko called for a free press, saying a free and independent media played a critical role in any democracy.

He said it was important to recognise the special role that the media played in informing and educating the nation, while at the same time holding the leaders of a nation accountable.

Thus, he said, the opposition called for the liberalization of the airwaves, to allow for among others, the setting up of community radio stations. In conclusion, Mr Boko thanked President Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama for having assured the nation that he would leave office at the end of his term. ENDS