Boko warns against momentary silent loyalty and bootlicking

- Outlines bold plans for security, education, healthcare at community meeting - School children to have improved breakfast of 'advocados and eggs'President Duma Boko has encouraged Batswana not to be afraid to critique their leaders while they are still in power.He condemned the culture of silent loyalty during a leader’s term, followed by harsh criticism after the leader has left office.“Go seka ga nna le bolope ha gare garona, nna same ke go diragatsa ditshwanelo tsa lona,” he declared, meaning, “Let there be no bootlicking among us. My role is to uphold your rights.”Addressing a Kgotla meeting in Kgagodi on Tuesday, Boko emphasised that true patriotism involves active participation and honest feedback.He encouraged citizens to speak out when things go wrong, suggest improvements, and demand results from their leaders.“Bolope ke go inyatsa le go ithontsha tshwanelo ya gago,” he said – meaning that bootlicling is tantamount to self-debasement and abandonment of one’s rights.He went on to say, “Bolope ke go akanya gore moeteledipele, tona, mokhanselara, modirelapuso kana tautona, fa ba dira ditsela mo kgaolong ya gago ba go tlhomogela pelo," warning that it is blind loyalty to think that when a leader, Minister, a Councillor bring roads to an community, they are doing the people a favour out of kindness.” Instead, Boko made it clear that delivering services is the government’s duty not charity.Boko reminded the residents that resources and amenities such as roads, water, electricity, and health facilities are entitlements not privileges.“The government is not doing you a favour by bringing services. It is their responsibility. You must stop thinking you are benefiting from generosity,” he said.He called on Batswana to be active participants in governance by offering solutions and pointing out issues openly, without fear or shame.Turning to national security, Boko revealed plans to introduce drones to help tackle stock theft and wildlife poaching.He said the government is currently in talks with a drone technology company that will partner with the Botswana Police Service.“These drones won’t wait for criminals to act. They will monitor and stop crimes before they happen,” he said.He shared an example from his visit to Botswana Police Service where he was shown how camera systems currently help the police monitor public areas in real-time.“I watched footage where a young man was about to steal electric cables. Thanks to the cameras, police in the control room were able to stop him before the crime happened,” Boko said.He added that with the help of such technology, Batswana would be able to live and work without fear or unnecessary setbacks.Boko also made a promise to roll out universal healthcare for all citizens before the end of the year.“Every Motswana will have medical aid and be able to see a doctor,” he said.He explained that healthcare should be a basic right, not a luxury, and that the government has a duty to make medical services accessible to everyone.On the topic of education, Boko announced the introduction of a national school feeding programme, where public school learners will receive two meals per day; breakfast and lunch.“For breakfast, students will have proper meals like eggs and avocados,” he said. He criticised the current feeding scheme, particularly the overuse of samp, saying it resembles prison food.In a progressive move, Boko also declared that corporal punishment will be abolished in schools, calling it a violation of children’s rights.“Beating children is not discipline, it’s abuse. We need safe schools where learners feel protected, not afraid,” he stated.He said a healthy learning environment plays a crucial role in building a confident and capable youth.Boko further emphasised the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of the country.“You are not spectators. You are the owners of this nation. The government must serve you, and you must hold us accountable,” he said.

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Boko warns against momentary silent loyalty and bootlicking