16 Oct 2024

Batswana have been urged to cast their votes for the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) at the upcoming polls in order to preserve the country’s long-standing tradition of peace and stability.

The appeal was made by the BDP veteran Mr Pono Moatlhodi, at the launch of the party’s parliamentary and nine council candidates for Molepolole South constituency on Saturday in Molepolole.

Mr Moatlhodi emphasised the importance of voting for Mr Kabo Morwaeng, saying that doing so was tantamount to supporting President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s ongoing leadership and the positive impact he has had on the nation.

“Under President Masisi’s leadership, we have seen many positive changes, and we must ensure that these changes continue by voting for Mr Morwaeng,” he said.

Mr Moatlhodi praised Mr Morwaeng’s capabilities, drawing from his own experience working with him in the past on the national youth executive committee.

“I have had the privilege of working with Mr Morwaeng in the past, and I can confidently say that he is a skilled and effective leader,” he said.

Furthermore, he said his strong leadership had brought many developments to the constituency, such as the planned construction of two primary schools and two police stations in Molepolole.

Mr Moatlhodi also praised Mr Morwaeng’s efforts to support and honour traditional leadership in the constituency. He said Mr Morwaeng has shown great respect for the traditional leadership, which is crucial to preserving cultural heritage.

“He has ensured that the main kgotla shelter and several kgotla shelters in different wards are built or refurbished, bringing dignity to our traditional leaders.

This is vital because traditional leadership is the bedrock of our Setswana customs and culture,” he asserted.

The chairman of the Public Education and Elections Committee (PEEC), Mr Alec Seametso, echoed Mr Moatlhodi’s sentiments, highlighting Mr Morwaeng’s efforts to support traditional leadership beyond the resources provided by the government.

“Mr Morwaeng didn’t just rely on government funding to build the kgotla shelters, but also used his own funds to ensure that these vital community spaces were built in various wards,” he emphasised.

The BDP activist, Mr Ditiro Majadibodu, rejected the criticism that Botswana’s poor were being neglected by the BDP, citing numerous social welfare programmes and healthcare initiatives that support the most vulnerable members of society.

He said the BDP has numerous programmes in place to support the poor, such as the social welfare services and free medication provided through government health facilities.

With initiatives such as Temo Letlotlo, Thuo Letlotlo, and Chema Chema, he said the BDP-led government was investing in its citizens and helping them thrive. Mr Morwaeng defended his track record as a representative of the Molepolole South constituency, highlighting numerous developments he has brought to the area such as new Kgosi Sechele I Museum, tribal administration offices, two primary schools, two police stations, 27-kilometre radius of internal roads and many other improvements.

He promised to continue his advocacy for further improvements if re-elected.

On the water issue, he said his government is working on improving the water supply in Molepolole by addressing the issue of water scarcity and enhancing the water reticulation system. ENDS