Mmegi

Rain spoils BDP Serowe invasion plan

Innocent Selatlhwa

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) youth weekend in Serowe turned out to be disastrous mainly due to bad weather. While many were looking forward to seeing how Serowe people would react to the BDP members knocking on their doors in a houseto-house campaign, the heavens had a different plan.

The BDP youth had gathered for the National Youth Policy Forum, which was scheduled to take place between Friday and Saturday closing with a house-to-house campaign.

While the party managed to carry out all the scheduled agenda items which included the official opening, discussions, Miss BDP, and choir competitions, all started late and the house-to-house campaigns could not take place. President Mokgweetsi Masisi could not arrive in Serowe for the house-to-house campaign that he was to lead on Sunday morning.

According to BDP spokesperson Kagelelo Kentse, the President could not come due to bad weather. He also said they could not do the campaigning because of the wet conditions and bad roads. While some residents who spoke to this publication had said they would not allow the party in their homes, the BDP National Youth Executive Committee chairman Collen Mochotlhi said they would return either way.

“The rain has greatly disrupted our planning hence most of our activities started late and we could not even go houseto-house. We are happy with the participation of the Serowe people in the event. We are, however, disappointed we could not do house-to-house.

We intend to come back soon to reclaim our constituencies from opposition,” he said. Mochotlhi further said even though the forum needed more time, they were able to discuss what young people had submitted.

When giving his speech during the opening of the forum, Mochotlhi rallied young people to contest elections. “As we prepare for the 2024 General Election, let us redefine local politics by leaving this forum with the ambition to contest in the upcoming general elections and have more youth representation.

Let us win the minds and hearts of Batswana once more and position ourselves as the only alternative. It is only through our regular participation in national conversations and forums such as these that we can influence and effect change,” he said.

Mochotlhi said after the Bobonong Congress, NYEC traversed Botswana to consult and gather thoughts of young members of the party over the next step to take after the devastations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the common message relayed was that there is a dire need for a national conversation to be had over issues that impede the progress and success of the youth of this country. “This then compelled us to create an environment in which the youth can directly participate in this exercise by having them at the forefront unpacking these issues and offering alternative solutions. Mathata a banana a ka rarabololwa ke banana fa ba ipua ba bo ba dumalana ka lentswe le le lengwe fela,” he said. Mochotlhi said as young BDP members, it is important for them to have platforms to introspect, advise and influence the party on the needs and interests of a young Motswana in the 21st century.

“In carrying out this exercise, branches were to hold Special Congresses prior to this event after which they were to send motions and recommendations to the General Secretary.

Of the 57 branches, only 18 branches submitted to the General Secretary. That translates to 31.6% of youth structures across the country. This revelation is a major cause for concern. As the leaders of today and tomorrow, our participation within the political arena is of paramount importance as we are the section of society that is worst affected in all areas of life. I therefore implore and plead with you young democrats to not deny this party your fresh opinions, knowledge and ideas,” he said.

Of the 57 branches, only 18 branches submitted to the General Secretary. That translates

to 31.6% of youth structures across the

country

NEWS

en-bw

2022-11-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://enews.mmegi.bw/article/281599539512566

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