The situation is exacerbated by the ruling party’s admission that some of its most important election promises remain unfulfilled. This is not the change many Batswana had expected. The UDC was elected into power on a strong promise to improve lives, create jobs, protect workers and repair public services. It is therefore, not enough for the party to point only to new ministries, policies and long-term plans. These may be necessary, but ordinary people judge a government by what they experience each day like getting medications at clinics, jobs for young people, faster public services and wages that can meet the rising cost of living. The admission by UDC executive secretary, Dr Patrick Molutsi that job creation has not been achieved and drugs supply remains a serious challenge must be taken seriously. It is better for a government to admit its shortcomings than to pretend all is well.
However, honesty must be followed by urgent and visible action. Economic difficulties are real, but they cannot become a permanent answer to every broken promise. The UDC must now explain clearly which promises can still be delivered, when they will be delivered and how they will be funded. Where circumstances have changed, the Duma Boko-led organisation should tell the nation openly. Trust is built through truthfulness, realistic targets and measurable progress, not slogans. The reforms cited by Molutsi, including efforts to strengthen Parliament, reorganise ministries and expand student financing, are welcome. Yet reforms must eventually produce better services and opportunities.
