MMOLOTSI THANKS KHAMA Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, has thanked President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama for emphasising the importance of democracy in his State-of-the-Nation Address. Responding to President Khama’s address in Parliament on November 13, Mr Mmolotsi said democracy would only become strong and vibrant if nurtured and if Batswana went to the polls in large numbers to vote. As it is now, he said, some Batswana had already lost hope in registering to vote during elections, because “they do not see the benefit of voting as their standard of living does not change.” This, he said, was also one of the reasons why the number of people who registered to vote during elections had since been declining. To address this concern, he said “we expect the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to intensify its public education on the importance of voting during elections. As it is now, some Batswana do not even understand that it is possible to vote out the ruling party out of office and replace it with another political party.” “We need to stand up, join hands and guard against our country’s democracy,” he added. The Francistown MP also said it was commendable that President Khama embraced the spirit of consultation. Therefore, he encouraged MPs and other national leaders to emulate the President. However, Mr Mmolotsi cautioned that consultation needed to be carried out fairly and diligently at all times, as it had the potential to divide the nation if not done appropriately. On economic issues, he said many politicians and economic experts had long advised government on how the country’s economy could be diversified. Therefore, he said it was high time that government seriously consider some of the ideas. Furthermore, he said President Khama said good words when he said “the best plans, policies and programmes will come to naught if poorly implemented.” For these best plans, policies and programmes to be well implemented, Mr Mmolotsi said the public service should be; well remunerated, provided with good conditions of service and treated with utmost respect, since they were crucial to the country’s economic and social wellbeing. Since the formation of the Public Service Bargaining Council, Francistown MP said it has never appeared that President Khama takes it seriously. This, he said was also why President Khama and his cabinet members met with public servants, to gain insight into their concerns and challenges, in the absence of their trade unions’ representatives. He added that, this also showed that Botswana Democratic Party’s government does not care about trade unions. BOPA
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 09:32:47 +0000
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