Masisi scrambles to unify BDP
The 58th National Council of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) was held under the theme, 'Unity and Consolidation.'
The ruling party's first national congress post Covid pandemic was aimed at unifying the party from the divisions that plagued it since the Khama-Masisi fallout before the 2019 elections. Moreover the congress aimed to devise a winning strategy for the party in the next election.
Party Chairman, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane noted that party members should promote party unity and cohesion. Tsogwane noted that the party had to fight to keep the soul of the BDP alive as the enemy came from within their camp prior to the 2019 elections.
Tsogwane explained that the division was an attempt to kill the party but the members of the BDP did not allow it. He urged members to work together to build the nation they have envisioned and to take heed of divisions that may destroy the soul of the party.
The party President Mokgweetsi Masisi noted that hardly three months into the new government post the 2019 elections Covid-19 disrupted the nation but noted that the BDP-led government swiftly responded to the unknown pandemic.
Masisi indicated that the RESET agenda was birthed out of the dire need to rescue Batswana from the claws of the pandemic. “Our fight against corruption is unrelenting,” Masisi noted, adding that corruption is cancerous because it deprives hardworking citizens and dutiful taxpayers of the rightful critical services.
Masisi said they respect the rule of law and therefore they have accepted decisions of the courts even in instances where their opinions differ with those of the courts.
Masisi promised that the BDP-led government will take the fight with those who are engaged in corruption as these individuals rob Botswana of the good image she has built over the years.
“The opposition cannot be trusted with power and responsibility to govern this, our Republic.” Masisi indicated that opposition is far from being a viable alternative as they barely keep anything together for much longer before it all collapses therefore the BDP remains the only option for Batswana.
“Unity of our party is paramount,” Masisi said, further indicating that unity and resilience played a pivotal role in BDP winning elections since the inception of Botswana.
“Disunity should not have any stake in our party operations.” Masisi explained that party members should manage their differences in a civilised manner.
Masisi noted that the party needs to build on past achievements as their basic infrastructure for delivering the BDP election promises has been built. He urged members to all participate in building the Botswana they want.
The BDP president further noted with concern that families in Botswana are mostly headed by females. He said Botswana must value and cherish its women, and that this ideal must be embraced politically as the high statistics
of gender based violence are embarrassing.
“There is no country that will have drug addicts and drunkards being productive, therefore Botswana must engage on this politically. He explained that when this is controlled Botswana will be an unstoppable force.
In a press conference held shortly after the Council Masisi said BDP member are highly charged and motivated. Masisi noted that inner party elections have already begun as the women’s wing elections are over and done with.
Masisi indicated that he will reveal the reasons for his fallout with former president Khama to the nation soon, further stating that he does not hate him, nor vindictive towards him.