Putting the BDP�s Reform Agenda into proper perspective
Correspondent | Friday June 12, 2015 13:57
This is of paramount importance because if the parameters are defined, it is only then that we can discern, determine and have a pictorial image of what actually BDP is in terms of form or shape including to a more extent its character as to what really informs the Reform Agenda.
Three scenarios will emerge in trying to put up a sypnosis of BDP’s reform agenda as well articulated by Botsalo Ntuane – a contender in the hotly contested BDP Central Committee race for Secretary General. Himself a well- rounded democrat indoctrinated in the politics of Tsholetsa House, he exudes confidence and seems to have what the doctor has ordered for the ailing patient (BDP). Like articulated above, compelling reasons behind the reform agenda should be well defined by its advocacies and preachers. Is the Reform Agenda an incentive for the survival and renewal of the declining fortunes of the BDP – a redemption song as in the words of the Reggae maestro Bob Marley? or a genuine gesture born out of the realisation that Batswana have been alienated economically or otherwise from meaningful participation as espoused in the “ BDP Reform Agenda Conversation: 22 Discussion Points (22 points)” by Cde Ntuane. Or a campaign mechanism through which Cde Ntuane wants to galvanise support from fellow democrats as a pointer that he has winning formula for turning around the dwindling fortunes of the once mighty BDP.
“Yes, we have educated our people and developed a sizeable middle class but aspirational Batswana are growing resentful of being spectators when the economic cake appears to be enjoyed disappropriately by foreign Asians, white South Africans and even our black African brothers. The BDP must sponsor and drive an unapologetic citizen empowerment law that will facilitate participation of our own people in all sectors of the economy including major projects. For instance an activist Central Committee could have instructed government to ensure that of the 25 billion budgeted for on-going Debtswana Cut 8 Project, 50% of it be reserved for companies owned by Batswana. The same must apply for all major projects but with vigilance exercised to prevent a revolving door scenario whereby the same faces and names get empowered” echoed Cde Ntuane in one of the 22 Discussion points. This in short describes the oligarchy of BDP government. Politics aside, a special accolade should be hipped on Ntuane for speaking the truth where the truth mattered. This is the reason I have made it an unwritten rule to read his illuminating pieces whenever and wherever I come across them. The Gospel truth is, this is what has been preached by the opposition, and in reflection, as the BNF celebrate its 50th anniversary it should take solace in the fact that at least one of the most read verses from its political bible is being preached from unfamiliar territory in the ruling party.
Now back to the character of BDP, lest we forget, BDP was the ordained heir to the throne to the colonialist rule. It was not by coincidence that pre-independent, BPP, at the time, an existing Pan Africanist Party influenced by pioneers of African liberation struggle for the attainment of true independence like Ghana’s Kwame Nkurumah and Congo’s Patrice Lumumba was over-looked for the imperialist, quickly assembled BDP outfit. Or the BNF founded by the Russian educated Dr Kenneth Goabamong Shololo Koma whose party was labelled communist driving the agenda of the Soviet Union to make Batswana shun it and drive it into oblivion by driving a wedge between them and BNF to the advantage of BDP.
At this juncture and in an attempt to draw answers as to why radical reforms now after 50 years in power for the conservative BDP in the backdrop of a more organised opposition that is more threatening with increasing prospects to state power like never before, it is apparent the envisaged reforms are to a more extent to do with survival of BDP than advanced on humanitarian basis for upliftment of the human race. To me, the reasons that motivated the reform agenda are more important that the purported reforms itself. This is because a lot is at stake regarding the reforms in so far as BDP and modern Botswana politics is concerned. It cannot be over-emphasised that Botswana is at a cross-road mainly on the basis that Batswana have to make an informed, conscious and make or break decision as to whether they continue entrusting BDP with state power or not. For them to do so, and with respect to BDP, Batswana need to gauge, scrutinise and put BDP and its spin-doctors under intense radar. BDP need to be screened and examined like never before to extrapolate the true motives of the Reform Agenda. BDP and Cde Ntuane need to be cross-examined so that the nation becomes clear as to what actually motivated the Reforms. For purposes of this debate for instance, if BDP’s envisaged Reform Agenda hinges on a survival safety kit for BDP then such a dispensation is self-seeking and dishonest to the voters because the Reform Agenda is but a bait to entice the electorates to its corner so that they inject into the Party an undeserved shelf-life in power. This borders on a self-aggrandisement trait. The million dollar question in this regard will be why does it take BDP 50 years in power and a marauding opposition to effect reforms which are two generations late at least. If Cde Ntuane is drumming up support for himself in preparation for the upcoming congress, again it is disingenuous for him to do so although it is his birthright to leverage on his agile political posturing to pedestal himself and erase the” prodigal son” label which seems to be the only hindrance between him and the Secretary General post. Let me state for the record that according to me, on merit Cde Ntuane is head and shoulders above his competitors in terms of competence and technical know-how apart from the dark label attached to him.
Only one probability looks prudent to legitimatise the much talked about Reform Agenda although not convincing enough given the conservative nature of the ruling BDP notorious for breeding high inequality rates despite a high GDP of more than US $8,500. No wonder someone was quoted as saying “we don’t eat GDP; we want jobs and food on the table”. This is if BDP voluntarily, not out of duress and threat to its political life which has the trappings of glamour, power and the glittering gold opts for that unlikely root to emancipate the citizenry out of the shackles of poverty, social and economic justice. BDP’s capacity to reform is not consistent with acting in benevolence and free will but rather out of coesion from encroachment and erosion of its strongholds like the watermark 1994 BNF’s galloping performance that ushered in reforms like voting age reduction from 21 to 18 years, introduction of IEC to setting up of oversight instruments like Ombudsman and so forth.
Happy BNF’s 50th anniversary
Eitlhopha Mokeresete
Gaborone