07 Oct 2024

Botswana is a country blessed with abundant natural resources, from the intense sunshine to its vast rivers and land.

Therefore, it is impossible to believe that such a resource-rich nation could be considered broke, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) deputy leader Mr Ndaba Gaolathe has said.

Mr Gaolathe, who was speaking at the launch of the party’s parliamentary and council candidates for Gabane/Mmankgodi in Gabane on October 6, said Botswana’s abundant natural resources could transform the country into a leading economic power, given the right direction and leadership.

“Botswana could easily harness the power of the sun to generate enough electricity to supply the whole of Africa. Our forests are rich with medicinal plants that could be used to create life-saving drugs for the continent. And with our vast land and fertile soils, we could produce enough food to feed the entire region,” he asserted.

Mr Gaolathe expressed concern over unemployment and lack of opportunities for the youth.

He highlighted the disparity between Botswana’s vast land mass and the lack of available land for housing, questioning why a country as large as France could face such a shortage.

He further drew comparisons to Ukraine, stating that, despite the ongoing conflict, the country remained a significant grain producer for the world.

Mr Gaolathe said the current leadership’s actions were crushing the hopes and aspirations of the nation.

Therefore, he urged voters to take action and make a change for the better by voting for UDC in the upcoming elections.

Mr Gaolathe expressed confidence in Mr Pius Mokgware, the MP candidate for the constituency, highlighting the qualities that made him an ideal candidate for the Gabane/Mmankgodi constituency.

“It takes a special kind of person to rise to the rank of Major General in the defence force. It requires discipline, dedication, and a strong sense of character,” Mr Gaolathe explained.

He said these were qualities Major General Mokgware possessed in abundance.

In addition he said he was a man of integrity and order, and he would make a better representative for the people of Gabane/Mmankgodi.

For his part secretary general for Alliance for Progressives (AP), Dr Phenyo Butale emphasised the importance of electing representatives who were not afraid to speak up and advocate for their constituents in Parliament.

He said change required courage, and it required everyone to stand up for what they believed in.“We cannot rely on the word of a government that is casual with the truth. We need leaders who are passionate, vocal, and unafraid to fight for what belongs to us,” he said.

Mr Mokgware pledged to work tirelessly on behalf of the constituents and advance their interests. ENDS