27 Nov 2013

Batswana have been encouraged to respect and honour President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

Commenting on the State-of-the-Nation Address in Parliament on Monday, November 25, Serowe South MP, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi said it was worrisome that some individuals particularly opposition party members abused the freedom of expression granted to them by the country’s democracy to attack the President with disrespectful words.

Dr Venson-Moitoi said the President’s name was being used in disrepute without taking into consideration that, as the head of state, he had been sworn in by Batswana to lead the country.

She specifically criticised opposition MPs for always trying to debate on the President’s private life in Parliament and raising questions on unfounded reports on the his personal asserts and acquisitions.

Oppositions MPs, she said, should refrain from being critiques of whatever initiative that the President came up with but should rather be active partners in uplifting the livelihoods of Batswana.

“We cohesively need to work together irrespective of our political affiliations in ensuring that we develop the livelihoods of the citizenry, rather than focus on how best to criticise any policy or initiative meant to develop Batswana,” she stated.

The Serowe South legislator said such unfounded debates were capable of disturbing the peace and tranquility that the country worked hard to maintain over the past years.

She further applauded President Khama’s walkabouts and indicated that they give the him direct interaction with the communities and grant him the opportunity to identify and appreciate challenges that ordinary Motswana face on daily basis.

Consultation between leaders and the community, she said was another way of strengthening democracy therefore there is a lot significance in the walkabouts. Furthermore, the Minister noted that it is pleasing that the president has even extended his meetings to the public service as he has deemed it fitting to consult with the workers to see how best government policies can be implemented. ENDS