22 Oct 2024

Political parties across the nation are intensifying efforts to engage voters as the upcoming elections draw near.

Botswana Republican Party (BRP) joined the fray over the weekend, gathering in Serowe on Saturday to unveil its comprehensive party manifesto.

Speaking at the launch, party leader Mr Biggie Butale emphasised that the manifesto was written in Setswana, English, and Ikalanga, highlighting its inclusivity and regional diversity.

“If funds permitted, we could have translated it into other languages to further illustrate our commitment to diversity,” he noted.

Mr Butale detailed the manifesto’s foundation, which rests on four key pillars: generating electricity through solar power, initiating an agricultural revolution, facilitating beneficiation, and improving the tourism sector.

He criticised Botswana’s reliance on exporting raw materials such as diamonds, coal, and uranium, asserting that the country must add value to these resources to ensure greater benefits for its citizens.

He argued that for Botswana to achieve wealth, it must enhance its food production capabilities, which he said is critical for any economic advancement. “Other political parties believe the recurrent budget should be dedicated to increasing wages and pensions; we believe that wage and pension increases should stem from economic growth,” Mr Butale stated.

Highlighting the nation’s untapped potential, he pointed out that Batswana excel in beauty pageants and athletics but often lacked governments’ support and guidance. “Investing in these sectors can significantly boost sports, arts, and culture,” he added.

Vice President Mr Moiseraele Goya echoed Mr Butale’s sentiments, reaffirming the BRP’s commitment to eradicating poverty, unemployment, inequality, and corruption in Botswana.

He expressed concerns over the treatment of the elderly and pledges to enhance the country’s education system, which he described as having declined in quality. “We will reform the education system to meet modern-day needs,” he promised.

Mr Goya also addressed energy costs, proposing that solar electricity generation could become a viable solution given Botswana’s ample sunlight, ensuring every Motswana could access power in their villages, cattle posts, and farmlands.

Mr Goya further called for the establishment of a third city to create job opportunities, asserting that achieving a single-digit unemployment rate is within reach.

The BRP also introduced its parliamentary and council candidates, continuing their push for change ahead of the election.

Titled: The Manifesto That Leaves No Stone Unturned, the document outlines the BRP’s commitment to combat poverty, hunger, unemployment, inequality, corruption, and abuse of power.

The party aims to leverage Botswana’s wildlife to boost tourism and improve livelihoods. Ends