Opposition parties must embrace UDC � Modubule
Olefile Serokolo | Tuesday November 21, 2017 17:18
Speaking during a UDC star rally on Sunday afternoon, Modubule urged opposition parties to be united if they want to attain State power, adding that anybody who is not under the Umbrella must not be tolerated because vote splitting will only give the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) advantage. He said as the opposition parties, they have to stand firm and set their eyes on winning the 2019 general elections because the BDP-led government has failed the nation.
He said what happened in Bobonong is now water under the bridge, adding that the opposition should not allow the BDP dirty tricks to divide them. “We are still going to face challenges as we go along during our struggle, but we should be prepared to deal with and meet them squarely. We do not have time to look back. Our eyes should now be set on what we want to achieve as the opposition parties. I believe this is the right moment to put before you our intention and mandate when we take over the government,” he said. Modubule challenged the youth to be in the forefront in seeking the change of government as they have been faced with a great challenge of unemployment.
He explained that the unemployment rate is around 21–22%, something he said the youth should be concerned about. He said the 100,000 jobs promised by the UDC president Duma Boko are possible, only if they can fight for their rights and change the government. He encouraged them not to be afraid of change as they have suffered a lot under the current government.
He revealed that the youth in other countries have taken a bold step and played a major role in the change of government in their countries and he challenged the youth here to do the same. He appealed to the residents and Batswana at large to vote for parties under the UDC as they present the only viable alternative to improve their livelihoods.
Boko said the party is strong and intact as evidenced by the presence of different representatives of opposition parties under the Umbrella.
He said if members of the opposition were confused about BMD’s position in the Umbrella after the Bobonong incidents, they should now believe that the party is a solid member of the Umbrella. He said people make mistakes and have weaknesses, but at the end of the day, they should rise above them and serve the interest of the people.
Boko said the 100,000 jobs which they promised the nation once they take over the government in 2019, are decent jobs which can improve the lives of Batswana. He noted that they are also going to introduce living wages rather than minimum wage.
He explained that nobody is going to be subjected under a certain wage like it is the case with the current government. He appealed to people to vote for the Umbrella so that they can rescue them from the situations they are in under the BDP. The rally was attended by, amongst others, Selebi-Phikwe West Member of Parliament (MP), Dithapelo Keorapetse, Mochudi West MP, Gilbert Mangole and Taolo Lucas.