President of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, has criticised the governing party and its leadership for perpetuating staggering levels of corruption and ultimately failing the people of Botswana.
“In the five decades since receiving independence, we have been ruled by the same party, using the same systems and methods to plunder the country’s resources to enrich a few elites. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) may have changed leaders over the years, but it is the same systemically corrupt party who continue to stifle this country’s progress with its blatant abuse of power,” Boko told members of the press at the Oasis Motel on Tuesday, January 29, 2019.
Boko spoke publicly for the first time this year and wasted no time before calling out the BDP for its inability to transform Botswana.
“The country still groans under the dead weight of massive unemployment and lack of opportunities for our people, especially our indigenous citizens. The UDC stands firm in its unwavering ability to create a minimum wage of P 3,000 for indigenous citizens. Furthermore, we reaffirm our commitment to create a minimum of 100,000 sustainable jobs in the first 12 months the UDC is in office,” Boko said.
He said under the current leadership, the country’s problems which have plagued Botswana since the 1960s, would continue unabated unless the incumbent government were to be removed from office.
“We as the UDC demand a comprehensive forensic audit of all institutions in which Government funds have been expended over the last few years. We cannot continue to have a state that is unaccountable to its electorate. Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of any democratic government.”
Boko added that a government which cares for the future of its citizens can be seen by how much effort it applies to educate the current and upcoming generations.
“By uplifting the youth through a decent education system, creating jobs, and encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship, the UDC will ensure that the next generation of leaders not only inherit a mechanically sound country with world standard infrastructure but are well prepared to continue advancing the needs of the people and our country,” Boko explained.
He said resolute opposition was the key in changing Botswana’s fortune, with the UDC being up to the task of liberating and advancing Botswana.
“We have been in talks with the Alliance for Progressives to further enhance a united opposition and they have positively engaged us on bringing about a regime change.
“Our manifesto, which is being developed and will soon be debated across the country in open consultative meetings, will outline all our policies and how the UDC will effectively create an invigorated inclusive Botswana for not just a few, but all Batswana,” said Boko.