11 Oct 2015

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) deputy secretary general, Mr Shaw Kgathi, has said his party is committed to developing the economy of the country.

This presents itself in the form of the BDP Economic Stimulus Programme, which he said the party leader President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has unveiled to the public.

Mr Kgathi told a press conference yesterday following the party’s special congress held  in Gaborone that the programme will see the country drawing from the foreign reserves to stimulate the economy.

The package targets tourism development, agricultural production, construction of buildings and roads as well as manufacturing.

He explained that the intention is to accelerate employment creation, stimulate economy and boost the economic diversification.

Meanwhile, the party has resolved to welcome independent candidates willing to join again unconditionally.

BDP secretary general, Mr Botsalo Ntuane explained during the press briefing that the resolution was made at a party’s special congress that was organised to finish outstanding matters emanating from the Mmadinare congress that was held in July.

He said those willing to rejoin the party should do so, as long as they continue to follow and abide by the BDP constitution and its rules and regulations.

“We had a lengthy debate on the matter and ultimately we arrived at this resolution,” he said.

The party had previously resolved that party members who leave the party to contest elections as independent candidates will not be re-admitted into the party if they seek to come back.

He said the party on Friday also convened a team building session for incumbent Members of  Parliament and councillors and members of the central committee.

With regard to party reforms, Mr Ntuane said the congress was updated with respect to reform exercise, which he said was “work in progress.” He said in Mmadinare, the party also resolved to explore possible areas of political and other reforms that include party funding. ends