Ntuane advises BDP govt to enact key reforms
Oarabile Mosikare | Friday May 8, 2015 16:25
Ntuane wrote this to his campaign team in a document leaked to Mmegi titled, ‘BDP Reform Agenda Conversation; 22 Discussion Points’.
The former Gaborone Bonnington South MP is contesting for the position of the BDP secretary general at the national congress scheduled for July 2015.
At the end of the document, Ntuane said on the electoral reforms they must live with the sober reality that BDP would not rule forever, as indeed no party does.
“However, my view is, we can still retain office for two more terms (10 years) either on our own or in a coalition.
“Should our tenure in power come to an end without having introduced key electoral reforms such as PR [Proportional Representation] and party funding, we will go the way of the dodo because the new rules will have no incentive to oblige us on,” he said.
Ntuane reminded the party that life in opposition for long ruling liberation/independence parties in Africa is traumatic.
“Once out of power, if they don’t go extinct like the dodo, they become pale shadow of their once mighty selves. “Known examples are the likes of UNIP in Zambia, MPR in Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo), Basotho National Party, Malawi Congress Party, KANU in Kenya to name but a few,” he said.
In one of the discussion points, Ntuane said they must advocate for a strong activist Central Committee and this means recalibrating their relations with government and reclaiming the party authority over government.
“The party must lead government and not be subordinate as is the case presently. The voice of the party must be heard loud and clear on every single issue,” he added.
Ntuane also said there is need for expansion of the Central Committee from 18 members to 30 members through inclusion of all 12 regional chairpersons, to ensure better oversight and supervision of structures.
He conceded that it is evident that pound for pound the opposition is out-boxing the BDP in public communication.
On issues of governance and economic development, Ntuane said to demonstrate their commitment to good governance and zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of public office, the long overdue law on declaration of assets and liabilities should be enacted.
“This action will also shield innocent public officers and politicians from often unfounded accusations of looting. In the eyes of the public, the BDP refuses to bring the law because the party is protecting looters,” he said.
Ntuane advised the BDP to amplify its voice on the imperative of sustainable employment creation, to address plight of young people coming out of the education system.
“Related to above, BCP (Botswana Congress Party) had the best crafted political message of the preceding elections: the Bring Back Our Jobs idea spoke to every sincere citizen.
“Unfortunately the message failed to gain traction because the 2014 elections were not fought on ideas; and again it was diluted by the BCP’s fixation with tribalism.
“But in politics sometimes you must give credit to your opponent. Bring Back Our Jobs is viable and must be pursued aggressively by government.
“The many jobs created by our natural resources in foreign countries must be brought back to ameliorate the situation of thousands of graduates produced by our education system,” he explained.
Ntuane also pleaded with the ruling party to explore other ways of further empowering middle class Batswana who should be ambassadors of Botswana’s educational policies, many having risen from humble beginnings to middle class status within a generation.
“For example, in the case of highly qualified Batswana middle class working overseas why not allow them dual citizenship instead of educating them for the exclusive benefit of the countries where they have opted to live?” he asked.
He continued: “We must, by way of stimulating economic growth qualify/ review Bank of Botswana foreign exchange controls policy to limit repatriation of profits accrued by foreign companies working on government tenders.
“Why should a speculator fly into the country, bid for a government tender worth billions, win it, complete the project, collect his profit and be allowed to repatriate all of it? Why can’t 50% of the profits remain inland?
“A distinction must be made between genuine foreign investors who actually bring money into the country and speculators who arrive here just to bid for lucrative tenders.”
Ntuane said the BDP had suffered a political backlash due to unfinished mega projects but heads have not rolled.
“An activist Central Committee must demand accountability and for heads to roll when wasteful expenditure occurs resulting in the nation being short changed. Examples of such projects are Fenygue, Morupule B and the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.
“Demand for better service delivery and greater accountability at local government level should be addressed by introducing a system of executive mayors,” he said.
Ntuane also pleaded with government to conduct a fresh delimitation exercise ahead of the 2019 general elections to create more electoral districts.