'BOKO MUST GO'

Opposition parties are preparing a Motion of No Confidence against President Advocate Duma Boko, citing his handling of Botswana’s collapsing healthcare system and other failed promises. The move, announced by Botswana Congress Party's (BCP) Kesitegile Gobotswang, comes in the wake of Boko’s recent surprise visit to Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, a visit critics warn risksbeing dismissed as political theatre rather than genuine intervention.Gobotswang accused the President of failing Batswana, saying: “He declared a public health emergency without first familiarising himself with the realities on the ground.” The BCP political leader told The Midweek Sun that the opposition will table the motion when Parliament resumes this year. “We know people say we do not have the numbers, but we will not be deterred; our charge sheet will berock solid. We want Batswana to know how this President has failed the nation.”The threat of parliamentary action has sharpened scrutiny of Boko’s unannounced hospital tour, his first since assuming office in 2024. While surprise inspections are often praised for exposing the realities of public institutions, critics argue that in the midst of a declared health emergency, symbolism is not enough.Different political leaders argue that Botswana’s healthcare system remains in crisis months after the emergency declaration, adding that medicines are scarce, patients are told to buy their own bandages, syringes, and even life-saving drugs for chronic conditions. Surgeries are postponed due to shortages of consumables and equipment. Hospital pharmacies operate on limited stock, forcing patients to turn to private outlets daily.Health workers at Marina, speaking anonymously for fear of victimisation, expressed mixed feelings about the visit. They welcomed the President’s presence but questioned its timing and format. “If the President really wanted to understand our struggles, the visit should have been announced. We have no time to hide anything. We are in a crisis. We are perishing.”They argued that a planned visit would have allowed staff to present documentation, statistics, and procurement records to demonstrate the full scale of the crisis. “What will he find when he sneaks in? He will find us sitting. Not because we are lazy, but because we have nothing to work with.”Patients continue to queue from midnight, hoping to be seen by doctors the next morning. Many wait the entire day only to return home unseen. Others leave without medication because the pharmacy has closed by the time their turn arrives. In the Emergency Department, patients sometimes wait more than 48 hours due to staff shortages and lack of beds, with some sleeping on the floor.Marina increasingly relies on Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, but even that arrangement is strained. Ambulances are insufficient, transport delays are common, and when doctors leave Marina to attend duties elsewhere, patients are left unattended.The surprise visit has rather served to ignite political debate across the spectrum. Biggie Butale, President of the Botswana Republican Party (BRP), warned against reducing the visit to a public relations exercise: “It should not be about pictures. Batswana want real action, and they want it now. Today, patients buy their own medication. Tomorrow they will be told to bring their own beds.”The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) said the visit came late. Secretary General Kentse Rammidi noted it was unfortunate that the President only visited Marina months after declaring an emergency, but added it is never too late. “We will be monitoring what happens after this visit. We want patients to be assisted.” He urged Boko to extend visits to other public health facilities nationwide.The wider concern among the political rivals remains clear; that unless the visit translates into tangible reforms, it risks being dismissed as a political stunt, a gesture that shifts focus from the real health crisis gripping the nation.

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'BOKO MUST GO'