Africa-Press – Botswana. Batswana have been challenged to change their mind-set and recognise that locally produced goods can rival or even exceed the quality of imported products enabling them to compete in the international stage.
Speaking during the just ended Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) 41st†̄National Congress in Maun on Saturday, the former party chairman and Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said under former president, more possibilities grew as he allowed people to believe that it was possible to turn Botswana into a high value economy.
He said they advanced beneficiation in mining, manufacturing as well as farming to historic levels and laid the foundations of a knowledge economy, exploring how traditional wisdom can create modern value. Mr Tsogwane said they fought against corruption at the same time developing a future of energy security that would power the next generation and its aspirations.
“I could state that you can already feel our achievements in this more inclusive tourism sector, the infrastructure of improved road networks and the food that is locally produced,” he said.
Mr Tsogwane said small entrepreneurs who once saw only closed doors, had since been exposed to capital and coaching that helped them open their own businesses through BDP leadership. He said they managed to grow a strong modernised agriculture, facilitated markets and allocated an unprecedented numbers plots, adding that they pushed back against poverty with targeted programmes.
On other issues, Mr Tsogwane said leadership should not be measured simply by the policies written down, but also by the possibilities that may be opened up. He urged the gathering to share ideas openly, and be more decisive because the party’s redevelopment may be built on the wisdom that aroused from the floor and not solely from the information that descended from the podium.
Mr Tsogwane assured them of a bright future ahead by 2029 as the party aimed not merely to return to power, but to do so with policies that placed Botswana at the forefront of progress, adding that the journey began with the congress. He urged fellow democrats to embrace the spirit of unity and at the same time keeping their eyes on the future in order to succeed and realise the congress’ theme; Rebuild,†̄Renew†̄and Rise in 2029.
In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Omphile Bogoma of Batawana Tribal Authority said gathering of people with common ideas to discuss and agree on a common consensus was what Batswana were commonly known for throughout the world.
“This in essence constitute peace, unity and tranquillity which is espoused throughout Botswana and dispersed throughout the continent and the world,” he said.
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