24 Jul 2017

The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has resolved that government should backdate the three per cent salary increase for public servants who were not paid due to the interdict by some unions.

Speaking at a press briefing recently, BDP secretary general, Mr Mpho Balopi said their goal as a party was to maintain good relations with unions who represented workers.

He said as a party, they were serious about improving their relationships with both government and non-government unions.

“We can confirm that this would be done or executed as a resolution of congress of the BDP,” he said.

In other issues, Mr Balopi said his party came from the 37^th national congress in Tonota united.

He commended President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, who will leave office next April, for a united BDP.

The unity, he said, would be carried to the 2019 general elections as they moved from an endorsement by BDP members to an endorsement by Batswana.

Mr Balopi said the new central committee welcomed the trust of all BDP members and the expectations of Batswana, adding that it was also a heavy burden on their shoulders.

He said since the founding of the BDP, the party has united and led Batswana from the old Botswana to the new Botswana that had become prosperous and strong.

He said their role as the new central committee was to lead the BDP and improve their way of thinking.

He said the responsibility of the new central committee was to unite and lead BDP members, adding that  they also accept the baton of history and would continue to work to revive the BDP in order for it to lead the nation. 

“Which is why we urge opposition parties to respect the democratic ideals built by Batswana under the leadership of the BDP. Whatever differences they may have we call upon them to exercise restraint and solve their problems amicably,” he said.

He said the opposition should supervise their conduct, enforce discipline and deal with issues within their parties as well as to maintain close ties with the people and preserve the fabric of society. ENDS