07 Aug 2022

Young people epitomise creativity, innovation, courage and vigour the country needed for achieving bigger and bold milestones, says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

 Addressing the Botswana Democratic Party’s  (BDP) 39th youth wing congress in Bobonong Friday, he therefore implored his audience to journey with him in developing the country.

“With you, the transformational exercise will be an enjoyable journey and become an achievable dream. 

Understand that we as a developing country, for us to reach our full potential, you must be hardworking in everything you engage yourselves in, be it your education, any form of career activity, sport and creative industry,” he said.

He said the youth  were the transformative force the nation needed.

Any transformation, the President said, must start with the full participation of the youth who were both architects and custodians of the nation’s future.

He explained that the BDP leadership’s role was to guide the youth towards the choices they had made in order to shape and cement their future politically, socially and economically.

About the congress, President Masisi said it offered an opportunity to exchange ideas that would have the net effect of well packaged commitments, resolutions and election of office bearers.

He urged delegates  to conduct themselves beyond reproach, exhibit high moral values that would reinforce and safeguard the foundations that had sustained the nation since the party’s establishment.

“Therefore, the challenge that is before the youth is to what extent will they strive to uphold the integrity and the magnificence of the BDP,” he said.

Stating that challenges were inevitable, President Masisi encouraged the youth not to despair but to continue working hard to achieve their set goals.

The President advised the youth to refrain from misdemeanours and instead encamp around serious endeavours that would have a positive effect on their lives.

Pointing out that time was a valuable asset, he advised his audience to use it wisely.

“Therefore, never put to waste any day of your youth, use the time you have profitably to advance your cause, the party manifesto and the national aspirations,” said the President.

For his part, youth executive committee chairperson, Mr Karabo Gomotsegang urged fellow democrats to ‘go viral’ about the good that government continued to do for Batswana.

He spoke against division and even the semblance of disunity in the party as well as preoccupation with personal interest at the expense of the nation.

On another matter, Mr Gomotsegang said inclusive political participation was not only a fundamental political and democratic right, but also crucial in ensuring a stable and peaceful Botswana.

“Our participation is also very key in developing policies that appropriately respond to the specific needs of younger generations,” he said.

He said it was crucial for the youth to know their responsibilities and rights, acquire necessary knowledge and capacity to participate in a meaningful way at all levels of the party.

Mr Gomotsegang said the youth were an epitome of national power that, if appropriately used, would take the country to greater heights.  

He commended fellow democrats for their devotion to the party. ends