'You have a family in the BDP' - Seretse

VINCENT T. SERETSE | Friday November 5, 2010 00:00

We achieved the results because we were determined to represent our people.  We had a clear programme and policies that touched the life's and resonated with Batswana.

However, as the party President intoned, when he thanked Batswana, in Gaborone a day after - our resounding victory.  October 17 - 2009 marked the first day of our campaign towards 2014 victory. 

A victory that we must work hard for.  I take this opportunity to caution you, that as we spread our message and Batswana begin to understand  our message , be prepared for more shrills from the opposition parties denouncing our programmes.

We are a purposeful party, a focused party and very clear of what we seek to achieve -which is  simply  a better life for all Batswana. 

Do not be distracted by those who come to you in the dark and tell you of fake and unimaginable promises. The promises will come  thick and fast as they try to lure you into their fold.  You have a family,  in the BDP -a good  family for that matter.

We are a peace loving party, and we take the security of this nation very seriously. 

For the last 44 years we have worked hard to maintain this tranquility. 

The BDP did so under very trying circumstances, when the  great architects of our party traversed the length and breath of this  country preaching the 'word' of BDP, ba rera efangele ya domi. 

The went all over the country looking for disciples and many followed- who in turn  continue  to  spread the 'word' ya domi. 

It is through these 'Moses' bo Mmoshe - that we have been able to enjoy peace and sustained economic development.  

As democrats who hold the fort today, we must continue spread the founding values of our party. Let's do this with vigor and passion.

There are many misguided lost souls who do not appreciate the good things  BDP has done and I put it to you, these unfortunate politicians, who in many instances we see punching above their weight are, influenced by lust for power coupled with the desire make money.

Let me take this opportunity to warn you fellow democrats, it is these people who are planting the seeds of instability in this beautiful republic. 

You must be alive to these 'self appointed messiahs' Your vote is very important.  It is the only weapon you have - that nobody can take away from you. Use it intelligently - ensure BDP - is back in power 2014.

Let me share with you, some of the BDP policies and programmes, that has been translated into government policies and programmes.  Above all as a party we recognise, that every Motswana should live in dignity, hence the 'D' - in H.E road map.  As a party we can not afford to see our people live in squalor a midst of wealth.  It is our passion, to fight inequalities and poverty from all fronts.  To show our seriousness - the Vice President has been given the mandate to drive poverty eradication programme in this country. 

Poverty has been decreasing over the years 59% in 2003 and standing at 23% in 2003.  As a party we have a reason why we have taken this as a priority. Extreme inequalities and poverty can lead to instability and the consequences can be grave. 

Instability result in under development, low economic development and unstable policy programmes.  In this respect, the office of the Vice President will be holding Pitso next week to consult with the stakeholders, to map the road-map. Re party e e nang le therisanyo ...........  We  are a party that consults , its in our D.N.A.

Botswana is a signatory to MDG's - and these forms the bedrock of of our policiess.  For  a record I will just to mention but few, they include:

Eradication of extreme poverty   Reduce child mortalityAchieve Universal primary educationImprove maternal healthEnvironmental Sustainability & Climate Change.

Our manifesto 2009 - 2014, has imbedded these goals (MDG's) and tailored them to meet our own specific conditions.

We also have a number of programmes that are in place, to support, our march towards 2014 victory - These include and  are not   limited to:

Youth* Youth  Development Fund* I-Partnership for Technology*Youth Farmers/CEDA

Agriculture* ISPAAD*Food Security*LIMID

Land* Use land productively* Do not sell it to foreigners

Economic Diversification*Tourism development* Diamond beneficiation* Knowledge based economy* Financial & services industry

In conclusion bagaetsho,  madomi a mantle, we have many challenges ahead , we must  battle ready to see our party returned to govern with a greater majority. 

We must be ready to defend our party policies, whenever we are. We must not shy from preaching the gospel of BDP.

We are going to see the opposition recycle failed ideas, which they will try to  push into laws, not driven by the desire to improve the lifes of Batswana but  geared to disparage our party . 

We must be vigilant,  we must remain loyal to  the BDP, for  has it not  been for your unreserved, passion and the love  for domkrag , we would not be here today.

Let us work cooperatively, promote healthy discourse in our party. 

If we pull together, united in spirit and purpose - we shall gather in this very place - in 2014 - reminiscing about today.

* Vincent  T. Seretse is a member of the BDP.   He was speaking at the BDP celebrations held at Nswazi