Motswaledi roots for clear opposition messages

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Thursday October 4, 2012 00:00

 

Addressing a workshop in Gaborone on campaigns by Democratic Alliance of South Africa and Liberal Democrats of UK, Motswaledi said on Tuesday that: 'We can succeed in our noble journey if we clarify our message to the people and work hard to get the message through. 

Batswana see what is happening, and we have to assist them see it clearly enough for them to change this government.  Batswana feel the pain of erratic and at times unsustainable policies of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP ) government, and we have to help them clarify to themselves the dimensions and true character of the pain they are experiencing for them change this government'.

He said the opposition should make Batswana see it as the alternative to the BDP government.  The key is clarifying the message, having good candidates who are favoured by 'the competency framework we developed together through the help of Tamsin and Austin (Libdems), fundraising, air-tight management of campaigns, crafting our campaigns such that we scratch where it itches and mastering the ability to take tough decisions for the good of the gains we ought to make for the change we have to drive and lead', he said.

Motswaledi said he hopes that after the workshop, local opposition politicians will be able to say things in a few seconds and a few words.  'Yes! I know that we want to build a Botswana with a strong sense of self-belief, a Botswana that nurtures its collective talent and resources to achieve continuous leaps in the welfare of its people, a Botswana united in its will to overcome all challenges and a Botswana that is deeply democratic - but I want to be able to say it clearly, in a few seconds and a few words,' he said. He said the opposition offer a more resilient form of democratic practice that includes efficient mechanisms of democratic institutions, the rule of law, checks and balances ingrained in the balanced relationships of the key institutions of governance. However, he added that, the message has to be clearly packaged and brief.

'The success of this training will be directly proportional to the gains made through implementing what you would have learnt. 'So, let us make the best out of this opportunity and be the best we have to be; let us be changed through this training in order to lead change; let us be inspired in order to inspire the very many people who are looking at us for inspiration. 

'To our guests, feel at home and rest assured that your presence here will be indelible in our hearts,' he said at the workshop attended by Lord Chris Rennard, a veteran campaigner for the Lib-Dems and Jonathan Moakes, the Democratic Alliance chief executive officer and a chief campaigners for the Democratic Alliance.  

Motswaledi said Jonathan is chief executive of a party that traces its roots to the anti-apartheid movement of the 1970s and 1980s, during which time it was known variously as the Progressive Party, the Progressive Reform Party, and the Progressive Federal Party.