BDP internal democracy impresses Balopi

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Wednesday October 12, 2011 00:00

 

Responding to a question at a press conference held at Gaborone's Maharaja Conference Centre yesterday, Balopi said he was selected after he instinctively took the BDP central committee through a rigorous debate as a member of a sub-committee of the party at a meeting in August this year.'In August as a member of a BDP sub-committee, just on the first day of our meeting, I debated seriously on various issues at length with the central committee. At first people held back, but later joined in the debate. Afterwards I asked myself if I had committed a crime, but I realised later that everyone was smiling,' he said.

Balopi said after the central committee meeting, he was nominated to the post of BDP secretary general on September 5, 2011. 'All the members of the central committee supported my nomination. It was 100 percent, there was no dissenting voice,' he said.The new secretary general told the media that after his accession to the post, he met with BDP party president Ian Khama who assured him of his fullest support. 'He told me: 'the ball is in your court, as long as you ensure that the BDP rules continuously',' he said. Balopi also said that the BDP is a progressive party, premised on strong foundations laid by its founding fathers. He promised that they would enhance and utilise all communication platforms within party structures.

'The new BDP SG is here to stay, and to connect people with their government programmes,' he said.He said that recently he consulted extensively among various sections of the party, including the BDP Council of Elders.'I was humbled by the vision that our founding fathers set before us. One thing is true: they dared to dream and see beyond their time. They envisioned a Botswana in which all of us here could have opportunities and have a say in how we shape our future. It was their vision that a young businessman like me can stand here amongst you and share the vision of our party,' he said.

'I make a pledge today, committees and sub-committees shall ensure that all voices are heard. It becomes our duty to ensure that each and every Motswana understands what is happening within our parameters. Our programmes of action shall be availed for all to see. This way we shall build a better Botswana. From programmes to projects; we all need to know how that translates to our economic fortunes,' he said.

The BDP secretary general said they could not rely only on the party council and congress to deliberate on crucial issues, adding that there will be other fora where the BDP will engage with its members on a regular basis. He urged all chairpersons to ensure that the information is cascaded down to the public and ensure feedback. 'My vision is to ensure that government programmes make sense and are contextualised to add value to the various communities to which they are intended. ...It is in this regard that I pledge to enhance communication and education to all Batswana about programmes and projects available to them,' he said. He said that they are in an election mode and recruiting new members to the BDP.