FRANCISTOWN: Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) leaders have implored their members to be resilient and avoid listening to destructive criticism as the political movement is slowly finding its footing.The leaders said this when briefing their members during a leadership forum held here last weekend. First to take the podium was the Botswana National Front (BNF) president Duma Boko. A worried Boko warned that the Umbrella is going to face a lot of challenges as it tries to establish itself as a vibrant organisation.
He stated that some of the challenges will lead to members losing faith in the Umbrella project and developing low self-esteem. Some of them, he warned, will contemplate leaving the organisation."Whenever some of these thoughts emerge, you (members) should remain resilient. This project is for the nation. If some of you are not prepared to embrace challenges then you can gladly leave because you do not belong here," he said.The BNF leader also urged members to constructively criticise the Umbrella, as it can sharpen the party. "I don't like political bodies that are not amenable to criticism, advice and different views from their members. Differing in opinions can help us sharpen the Umbrella," he said. Boko also said the recent losses suffered by the Umbrella during by-elections should be a wakeup call to the political movement.
