11 Nov 2024

Most Batswana seem to be confident about the recent historic victory of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in the general elections.

This was noted during an audience reach out exercise by BOPA at various spectator points that were erected around Gaborone for the public to witness the inauguration of the UDC leader and now state leader, President Duma Boko as it was televised on Botswana Television from the National Stadium on Friday.

The public has expressed hope on various factors among them, encircling betterment of wages, better education, reinstatement of extracurricular activities at schools, job creation, increase of old age pension and student allowances, just to mention a few.

“I’m teemed with joy for Boko’s Presidency. I’m looking forward to a big change in our lives. Our cries have been answered. We’ll get jobs with better salaries,” said Ms Potso Ponalo, a youth from Mmopane.

Ms Goabelo Mathware from Tsholofelo East said she was pleased for the 13th Parliament’s inclusion of youthful Members of Parliament.

“We are expecting huge changes as the Parliament is dominant with youthful faces who have sharp and fresh minds to think widely to tackle the current economic pressures,” said Ms Mathware.

Mr Aobakwe France of Gaborone West Phase 1’s concern was on the return of school sports and teachers’ welfare. Mr France said the new government should resume school sports, saying apart from serving as a gateway to professional sports, school sports also kept young people away from ill conducts such as alcohol and drug abuse.

He also said teachers’ welfare must be improved because teachers are the first pillars of life yet their service seems to be underrated.

Mr France further said government must get rid of illegal migrants who were scrambling with Batswana for the few job opportunities available, thus fueling unemployment among citizens who were mostly tertiary graduates. Others like Mr Shathani Mugwana of Bonnington South could not hide their joy as they are hopeful for more jobs.

“We are so grateful for the new regime. I hope there will be an emergence of major industries in our country that will hire Batswana in large numbers as stated in the UDC manifesto,” said Mr Mugwana.

Amongst the spectators at Tsholofelo Park was a pensioner, who preferred to be called Mma Chifedi, who said she was so gratified about the possible increment of the old age pension fund. She advised Batswana to have patience when their expectations take long to be fulfilled as change of regime was not easy.

She also urged Batswana to put their differences aside and support the new regime.

While the majority of the interviewees were fully focused on the betterment of livelihoods, Ms Bakang Mazebedi from Tsholofelo East pleaded with government media to represent all equally.

“We are expecting good media coverage that relishes freedom of expression something that President Boko has been fighting for before becoming President. We want to see the media that can be quick and open to speak out people’s needs. We should be open to express our needs through the government media,” said Ms Mazebedi. ENDS