14 Oct 2024

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is a party that believes in an inclusive economy, says Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane.

Speaking at the launch of the party’s parliamentary and council candidates for Lentsweletau-Lephepe constituency, Mr Tsogwane said BDP believed in creating an inclusive economy where everyone is given an equal opportunity to benefit from the country’s growth.

Mr Tsogwane emphasised that BDP’s manifesto was crafted with the intention of creating a more equitable economy, where all citizens could reap the benefits of sustainable development.

“Our manifesto does not make empty promises,” he asserted.

“It outlines concrete programmes and policies that will ensure inclusive growth for our people unlike the opposition parties that promise money without a well-thought-out plan,” he said, adding that they had laid the groundwork to achieve what they promise.

Tsogwane highlighted the BDP’s strategy of focusing on infrastructure development as a precursor to empowering the people with socio-economic programmes like Chema Chema, which enabled informal business owners to access financing and grow their businesses even if they were unable to secure loans from traditional banks.

The Vice President emphasised that the BDP’s policies were aimed at creating long-term, sustainable growth, rather than short-term handouts that would not address the root causes of economic inequality.

He further stated that the BDP had introduced a rural development policy to help elevate the standard of living in villages like Lentsweletau.

The rural development policy, he said included initiatives like village electrification, water supply and distribution, as well as the construction of health facilities, among many others.

He said these programmes would enable rural communities to thrive and contribute to the country’s overall development.

Mr Tsogwane acknowledged the patience and perseverance of Batswana, who had supported the BDP since the country gained independence in 1966. “We began with nothing when we gained independence, and we’ve had to build our nation brick by brick.

Our people have been patient and supportive throughout this journey, because they understand that great things take time to achieve,” he said.

He therefore pleaded with democrats to vote for Mr Legojane Kebaitse and his councillors in large numbers at the polls.

Former MP, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja, highlighted the various achievements in the Lentsweletau-Lephepe constituency over the past five years, noting that the projects were implemented through the Transitional Development Plan (TDP).  Some of the projects include water supply and reticulation in most villages in the constituency.

A new primary school in Kopong, new roads, new 24 hour clinics, and elevation of some headmen to higher positions of responsibility.

Former MP, retired Major General Moeng Pheto expressed his satisfaction with the BDP’s choice of candidate for the Lentsweletau-Lephepe constituency, Mr Kebaitse.

He said Kebaitse’s roots in the constituency was an advantage for him as a representative as he understood the constituency’s unique challenges and its needs.

Mr Kebaitse accepted his nomination as the BDP’s candidate for the constituency, pledging to work tirelessly for the betterment of the constituency. Ends