03 Sep 2023

The Chairperson of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has urged party members to continue building a cohesive and united BDP.

Speaking at BDP 59^th National Council and Extra Ordinary National Congress in Palapye on Saturday, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said the party’s resilience and success were anchored on the strong principle of unity in diversity.

He said BDP had been tried and tested and it was a political movement that always prioritised the lives of Batswana, acting in the best interest of the nation.

“This is not only the responsibility of the NEC or other structures, but it is also upon each member to serve, protect and vigorously defend the interests of the party,” he said.

He said 2023 was a special year characterised by a lot of excitement as it was the eve of the 2024 general elections while the BDP was yet to hold its primary elections.

He, therefore, appealed to the members to guard against any form of excitement that could bring with it some level of recklessness given that elections by nature were contentious, adding that this could lead to disgruntlement and at times, unwarranted behaviour.

He urged them to develop a frame of mind that would allow them to be patriotic in respect to the party and the country.

Mr Tsogwane said through the national congress, party members would reflect on their political journey, thereby giving them another opportunity to do better than the 2019 election results.

“Our success for 2024 lies in a difference that we the BDP can make. 

We must make the voter see that difference. 

We must be a party of choice for the demographics of the electorate,” he said

He said there was a need for the BDP to respond to the changing paradigm of competition regarding the 2024 general elections.

Reflecting on the 2019 election victory, he said the party President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi deserved honour for his relentless efforts, which led the party to victory and said such efforts did not end with the election period, but continued to date.

Mr Tsogwane said their experience of the post-2019 elections would define their 2024 rating, adding that for the BDP members to be a winning team they needed to rally behind their President, work as a team, and draw inspiration from him.

He credited the National Council for giving them an opportunity to reflect on policies, discuss new challenges and provide solutions that placed the party ahead of its competitors.

Mr Tsogwane said the theme: Unity and Growth - Our Journey to High Income Status, talked to the party members as they needed more than ever before, to pull together to address the many challenges facing not only their party, but their country as well.

Kgosi Martha Lebang of Palapye thanked BDP for holding the congress in the township saying the meeting availed economic opportunities for local businesses. ENDS