�Please remember BDP�s deeds�
Bonte Seepi | Wednesday January 11, 2017 15:20
When launching the BDP candidate in the Boikaga/Madiba by-election at Baipidi grounds over the weekend, Ntuane argued that Botswana was the only country in Africa, which was doing exceptionally well in caring for its people under the current leadership.
The by-election follows last year’s passing of the former area councillor, Richie Kenosi. BDP’s Thabo Dimeku will be contesting against Botswana Congress Party’s (BCP), Area Gabathuse for the seat.
“In this country, farmers are able to survive because the government takes care of all the ploughing costs; we spend P3,500 per hectare. The Botswana government under BDP leadership pays P3,970 for each Motswana child’s school fees at primary level annually, and thereafter P17,342 and P17,378 at junior and senior secondary levels respectively,” Ntuane said.
He added: “It is not every parent who can afford this, if each parent was to pay for their children. Some parents even have more than one child. Hence, introspect and vote for the right party because it is clear that BDP is a caring party”.
The secretary general also reminded electorates that government pays P59,000 for each child at private tertiary schools annually and P64,000 for each of University of Botswana (UB) students per annum.
He said even though opposition parties always say BDP is doing nothing, the party is doing a lot of good things.
On a further note, Ntuane also said that medication in Botswana is free, something which he said only happens in the country not because it is rich but because it cares for its people. He said before voting, electorates must question opposition parties about their initiatives.
“They must state their own initiatives. BDP has its own initiatives, which are only available in Botswana (when) compared to its neighbours. Voters must ask themselves if opposition parties will manage if they are given a chance to lead. Let us ensure that we retain this ward so that our initiatives can continue.
The government starts at council level and do not undermine our candidate because voting for the opposition BCP would be a crime”.
He said people voted for Kenosi out of love and trust in the 2014 general elections, unfortunately he departed before completing his task. Ntuane pleaded with the electorates to replace Kenosi with another BDP candidate.
He described Dimeku as somebody who comes a long way with the BDP as he joined the party in 2002 aged 18 years. He also said that Dimeku has the interests of the youth at heart as he volunteered in several youth centres including House of Hope and Palapye Youth Centre. Dimeku also worked as a police Special Constable for six years.
Tebelelo Seretse, BDP’s Serowe South branch secretary, also urged members of the BDP to ensure that they retain Boikago/Madiba ward for Kenosi’s soul to rest in peace. She said electorates must vote Dimeku so that he can continue where Kenosi left off with development.
She shared similar sentiments as Ntuane, describing Dimeku as somebody who knows how to work well with youth and also abides by the party manifesto.
She, however, stated that as the ruling party they are aware of the problems encountered by the country such as youth unemployment and closure of mines. She said the government is trying all it can to put up corrective measures.
Seretse, formerly a Cabinet minister and envoy urged the youth not to undermine any job and to utilise government initiatives like the youth grant to employ themselves and create more jobs.
Making his own plea, Dimeku told the electorates, especially the youth to vote for him. He urged them to vote wisely and to opt for the party that cares for their future. He promised them that if voted into power, he should abide as always by the party manifesto and work well with the people, continuing where Kenosi has left off.