An open letter to our politicians: We deserve more from you!
Keletso Thobega | Wednesday May 7, 2014 15:49
My analogy was simply that politicians are like stray men who propose a woman; flatter and pamper her, making her feel valued and loved. Once he has enjoyed her carnal warmth he becomes less affectionate and goes for the next kill. She feels used, betrayed and calls him a dog. But that “dog” got what it wanted! With that analogy embedded in my mind, it was difficult to believe politicians.
I have however also realized that if my casting a vote can make a difference; then why not do it? Rigging is my only fear, but let’s believe everyone is honest. That’s the only way to remain sane. As much as we know which party is going to win, I anticipate several unexpected faces in councils and Parliament, especially youthful faces.
At this juncture, our country is in shambles. Even the enviable and admirable ipelegeng spirit has died. Some of our people are beggars, beneficiaries or partake in an array of corrupt engagements ranging from brown-envelope conduct to nepotism.
The gap between the poor and the rich is shockingly wide. Even our social fibre is weakening. Our people don’t respect one another. They have time for one only when they stand to gain from them. We are a people focused on the tummy. Go ja! We also sweep pertinent issues under the carpet. We have become ‘denialists’, like alcoholics and gamblers who think they are smart when they are fooling themselves.
I often note how politicians take advantage of Batswana, particularly rural folk. They play on their weakness; their poverty. They know that a greater number of them are unemployed or earn peanuts. They are impressionable and gullible. Poverty affects people’s thinking... Like doing the same thing over again yet expecting different results! It’s like being in an abusive relationship. You are beaten up, bullied or cheated on. The person apologizes. You forgive them. They do the same thing. You forgive them and take them back. Next time, same thing... One person would opt out but another will keep believing the abuser and hoping they will change.
That’s the problem with the poor who some of our politicians take advantage of; they don’t know better, and so are stuck in a rut! Our politicians are also comfortable. They have become comfortable like a married woman who lets herself go. Soon she’s an obese moaning bore. Then one day her husband meets a happy and healthy lady who makes his attention and love, an occasion befitting her effort. The wife gets incensed forgetting that she was too comfortable!
Dear politicians, our councils and Parliament are not retirement homes or base for business empires. If you want to get rich, start a business.
We have been quiet when we saw corruption before our eyes. We have been taken for granted. We have been treated like dim wits and our intelligence undermined.
We realize that some politicians never really loved us. They loved their pockets. Some messed up the country or dipped in the coffers and ran away.
Most of the problems in this country are inherited. The past generations tolerated anything. We won’t! As you campaign know that we don’t care about cheap blankets and t-shirts. You can keep your rhetoric for it won’t satisfy any grumbling stomach. You can swallow your lies for they won’t boost the economy.
As you speak with loud voices, fists in the air... As you bang our gates begging to be let in to “sell your vote”, sing and dance, know that our faith is expensive. We cannot be bought like commodities. Being quiet doesn’t mean we are stupid.
Hold yourselves in good stead knowing that you duty is to be of service to your people. You sacrifice your family time and money but no one put a gun to your head. It’s a path you chose as “concerned” citizens who want to see Botswana flourish.
This is our country. We aren’t visitors. We want genuine leaders, not excuses for leaders.
Save us the stress and be honest, sincere and commit to development and uplifting your people; not just you, your cousins and friends. We are gatvol!