Olopeng calls for unity
Lerato Maleke | Friday November 28, 2014 17:23
Contributing on the State of the Nation Address yesterday, he said that MPs must forget their party differences and work together to improve the lives of Batswana especially the youth.
He promised that he would assist the Tonota residents as they have shown trust in electing him to Parliament. Olopeng said that in 1965, when the late Sir Seretse Khama was the Prime Minister, there were no developments, few opposition parties, but today things have changed for good.
He said that as minister he is going to upgrade youth empowerment programmes for them to accommodate people aged over 40 years old so that those who are capable to start businesses can do so to employ the youth roaming the streets.
Olopeng said that he is concerned about the rate of youth unemployment in the country and the increasing numbers of graduates who struggle to find jobs.
Olopeng said that it is their duty as both the ruling and opposition MPs to work together and improve the lives of the youth by empowering them.
He cited the mining sector where he said that those who have tipper trucks should be given subcontracts to make a living.
“We have a mandate as MPs in this House, and we should forget the freedom square stuff and fight for our children,” he asserted.
Further, Olopeng said that Botswana is known for peace and stability and that MPs too must respect each other in the House and avoid using vulgar language, adding that whatever they discuss in Parliament “our children out there are listening to us, hence copy from us”, he warned.
He said that as the future leaders of tomorrow, the youth should learn from them as legislators and be exemplary.
“We should be their mentors”, he advised.
Among other things, Olopeng said that the President of this country must be respected.
“He is our President, whether you are in opposition or not and he is not something that has been moulded in Shashe,” he warned amidst laughter.
He also warned that the laws that govern this country should be obeyed too.
Olopeng said that Bogosi should be respected and that the youth should be reminded of their culture and also respect of the Kgotla. He said that kgotla is not a platform for politicians to abuse each other and even ask for votes.
“In Tonota the Kgotla was abused. Only because I was not an MP, I couldn’t hold Kgotla meetings and solicit support like others who did,” he said.
Touching on the land issue, Olopeng said that MPs should not point a finger at each other but should strive to assist and come up with solutions.