Saleshando tears into UDC rule
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday August 20, 2025 06:00
He said the nation had expected a clear break from the past, but nine months into the UDC’s rule, nothing has changed. Instead, he argued, things are only getting worse, especially during the ongoing Winter Parliament. Saleshando condemned what he called the executive’s reckless habit of smuggling urgent bills into Parliament, saying it denies MPs, particularly the opposition, the time to research and prepare. “This is exactly what UDC and us used to complain about when we were both in opposition. Now, they have quickly forgotten and are doing the very same thing. Their attitude is a monopoly of patriotism,” he charged. The BCP leader accused UDC of riding to power on false promises, warning that Batswana had been sold a scam. He said broken commitments, such as the absence of Ipelegeng and the failure to deliver the P2,500 allowance for tertiary students as pledged in the party’s manifesto. Recently, the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs announced that there is delay in payments of Ipelegeng beneficiaries in some districts due to financial constraints, something Saleshando said all parties were aware of the country’s financial situation before.
From the 200 questions opposition MPs submitted to Parliament, he revealed that only 93 were answered, whilst the President and Vice President often contradict each other when responding. “It shows they are taking Batswana for granted,” Saleshando said.
Turning to constitutional changes, Saleshando warned that UDC was attempting to sneak in piecemeal amendments under the guise of urgency. He insisted that creating a constitutional court cannot be more urgent than addressing hospitals that are running out of medicine.
“Proper procedure must be followed. No crisis warrants rushing into a constitutional court. Lack of medicines is more urgent than constitutional tinkering,” he said. The BCP leader called on Batswana to rise and speak with one voice against what he described as misplaced priorities. He said leaders must also demonstrate sacrifice, announcing that the BCP is pushing for a 10% salary cut for all MPs and the withdrawal of sitting allowances for MPs and councillors alike. “Given the dire situation the country finds itself in, leaders must lead by example,” he said.