BDP veteran warns against self-exposure

ONALENNA MODIKWA
Staff Writer | Wednesday November 30, 2011 00:00

Speaking at the Serowe North East constituency victory celebration in Serule on Saturday, the BDP elders' representative said the party should sharpen its swords to prepare for 2014 general elections. He stated that the split of the BDP that led to the formation of the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) is not a new phenomenon, therefore the ruling party must stand firm. 'Greed breeds divisions but do not be intimidated by a four headed snake called an umbrella,' he asserted in reference to the oppositions choice to use an umbrella party for the 2014 polls.

He said detractors will always find something to say against the BDP but Batswana should always know that the ruling party has their interests at heart. He said members of the party used to follow proper channels in addressing issues without having to air their differences in Kgotla meetings. 'Le itsenya mohoholela ka go anegela bosane phefong le go balaya noga le baji ba yone,' he warned. He said the ruling party has been invaded by detractors but members perpetuate the problem by attacking each other.

Another BDP veteran, Patrick Balopi who was the guest speaker at the function said a plague befell his party in the form of BMD. He stated that the plague disturbed them as the party split for the first time and lost members and MPs. 'Since we are grown ups, we met to introspect on what could have been the cause. They left because they were bitter and had no way to feed their greed agendas,' he said. Balopi stated that the common denominator is the opposition is just to unseat the ruling party not to improve the lives of Batswana. He said the umbrella has not shown Batswana that it is an alternative to the ruling party as they are still embroiled in a battle over constituency allocations, presidential candidate and election policies.

Balopi said commitment and sacrifice have brought the party from 1962 to where it is today. He said that economic and infrastructural developments in the country are a testimony to this. He appealed to the coming generation to adopt commitment and sacrifice as their pillars so that the party can continue to succeed. He said BDP has ensured peace and tranquility in the country. Balopi said the 50th anniversary of the BDP in February is an opportunity for the party to reflect. The former Speaker of the National Assembly thanked government for deciding to revisit the law on floor crossing. He dubbed floor crossing as theft.

Cabinet minister and area MP, Ramadeluka Seretse appealed for peace as the BDP approaches bulela ditswe. 'I know we will differ in opinions but let us differ to unite not to dismantle for good. Let us also warmly welcome those who return to our party after defections,' he said.