FRANCISTOWN: The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Francistown region triple candidate launch flop has raised eyebrows on the existence of the party in the area.
Following the triple launch, which took place over the weekend at the Chedu Choga grounds in Block 1, here, speculation was rife that the attendance figures made it obvious that the party is no more in the region. The mega launch which was anticipated to be one of the biggest launches in the history of Francistown politics didn't meet the people’s expectations. BDP was launching three parliamentary candidates namely Godisang Radisigo, Solly Reikeletseng, and Samuel Kealotswe for Francistown East, South, and West respectively and their council candidates. Furthermore, following the launch, some people defended the attendance on social media. They argued that other factors, like the FNB Premier League game between Rollers and Chadibe at Francistown Old Stadium, took place at the same time and that some members opted to watch the game instead of attending the launch.
During the launch, Vice President and BDP chair, Slumber Tsogwane, stated that the party has been in power since the country's independence, adding that a number of their projects have made significant contributions to the nation's economic growth. According to Tsogwane, the opposition has nothing to offer Batswana, in contrast to the BDP, which has programmes such as Thuo and Temo Letlotlo, Chema Chema and others. He further stated that the BDP has demonstrated over the past decades its ability to grow the nation’s economy but unlike the opposition which hasn't yet discussed current projects that could strengthen theirs. "They don't have any plans or initiatives in place but all they do is to speak about the thousands of jobs they are going to create,” said Tsogwane. He added that the opposition was complaining about the closure of borders for vegetable importation but the initiative is meant to benefit Batswana. The BDP chairman further said the opposition should likewise make clear their industrialisation plans. He added that by continuing to convert villages into towns, they are promoting rural development, mentioning Maun and Molepolole as examples. Tsogwane added that if the concession expires, they will directly affect Batswana's economy by adding them in the subsequent concession round. BDP seeks a value chain in mining, tourism, and agriculture, he added. In his remarks about health, he mentioned that they were able to preserve lives during COVID-19.
He also stated that they also succeeded in combating HIV/AIDS and meeting the UNAIDS target of 95-95-95, he added. The party is also focused on fostering the spirit of self-reliance, a sustainable environment, and an outcome-based educational system, Tsogwane added. During their rule, Tsogwane revealed that they were able to enact 153 laws in Parliament. Giving an overview of the Francistown region, chairperson Mpezemi Sam-Bandawe said that President Mokgweetsi Masisi is concerned about the Francistown South constituency, which was under the Umbrella for Democratic Change. They have been on the ground, and he gave the President his word that they will win the constituency. “The incumbent Wynter Mmolotsi is an attention seeker and he went to Parliament to insult people, on the other hand, we have Francistown West Ignitious Moswaane who speaks opposite to the set agenda in parliament. If there are discussions about the economy of the country he will speak about the shortage of medication at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital,” he added. Sam-Bandawe believed that the two constituencies could be won under BDP in addition to Francistown East, which is currently their stronghold area.