Delivering a solidarity message to the striking workers at Chedu Choga in Francistown on Friday, Manyepedza said that because of lack of compassion, government has made life difficult for ordinary Batswana. Manyepedza cited the increase in value added tax (VAT), from 10 percent to 12 percent, the increase in the O Mang and passport fees from P5 and P20 to P100 and P260 respectively, as indications that the BDP is not a people-centred government.
The BCP firebrand said that wastage at the Government Enclave belies government's claims that there is no money to meet workers' call for a 16 percent salary hike. To the amusement of the multitudes of Botswana Federation of Public Service Unions (BOFEPUSU) faithful, Manyepedza said, "Imagine a father appealing to his children to bear with him and forego their breakfast of tea because there is no sugar in the house, while the children can spot particles of sugar all over his beard as he emerges from the kitchen. Surely his children are bound to doubt him and rebel against his calls for belt-tightening."
