BPP Must Be The Vanguard For Workers

Correspondent | Monday August 1, 2016 15:05

This is a party with a rich and landmark history, which is etched forever in the annals of history of the struggle politics of this Country .   As per aspirations of your theme, I suggest that in your rebranding exercise you, need to focus on mobilisation and recruitment drive by setting up strong party structures country wide and increase membership .

The party needs to urgently come up with a number of engaging activities for members , make the party attractive and relevant in contemporary politics . Further you will have to put efforts on publicity and branding of the party so that it reach out to the broader population .

This will also assist in dissemination of the party ‘s central message and policy direction . The importance of education and struggle consciousness need to be inculcated with the party to enhance disciplined and progressive cadres of the party who are committed to the bigger picture of economic liberation and genuine independence for Batswana . 

The party needs to identify critical societal issues to be tackled . These should be issues that are fundamentally of concern to members , and those issues such as rising unemployment , violation of human rights , land distribution crisis , fight against corruption , strive for better education and improved health services, human-centered development . 

To drive its policies and agenda, the BPP will need to work with groups such as workers, women, youth, farmers, be closer to the poor and vigorously mobilise these groups . 

The party needs to assume the role of the vanguard for working class by pursuing and address workers issues . This is critical for the workers’ struggle of;

-fighting for creation of sustainable jobs with decency 

-Protecting, advancing and deepening trade union rights and workers rights 

-fight against corruption 

-fight for social justice 

On the question of Trade Unions and Politics, it must dawn upon the Government that Trade Unions will be relentless and dedicated in playing their role in politics or political economy of the country. It is up to the Government to find better ways of working with Trade Unions through tripartite social dialogue structures towards harmonious industrial democracy and peace .

There is need for unity among opposition parties. The agitation should be towards regime change and not merely just simple change of parliamentary majority and things remain the same as have been with the previous Government.

It should be the focus of the new Government to focus  on strengthening democratic institutions, restoring integrity of the judiciary and bestowing necessary power to parliament for a functional democracy, eliminating corruption, eliminating suffering among citizens, changing complexion and pattern of the political economy. 

Opposition parties need to be caucious against infiltration by state agents. There is need for vibrant and participatory membership, strong, visionary and trustworthy leadership.

In this journey of the struggle, it ought to be known that some  leaders will on the way deviate from the mandate, and that the struggle will be fierce and challenging and therefore in need of dedicated men and women .

Thank you very much. Be united, grow in numbers and make resounding contribution in the UDC and work towards change of Government which is fundamentally urgent . 

*BOFEPUSU Deputy Secretary

General  Ketlhalefile Motshegwa was guest speaker at the BPP Congress