By all accounts everywhere you go people are anxious about the current regime. That is where we are. From nowhere some current ministers lives have changed overnight for the better, considering what they earn. How? only they can explain, not even God knows. There is only one creditable explanation for this. Allegedly due to unmitigated looting. I am pleased though that we are yet to see the President fight corruption head on. Reports of corruption are no longer news worthy but rather turned into a norm. How then do we jump 2020 and 2023 to bring forth 2024 with hope for a meaningful change. My point however is not to mourn but to reflect. We need to come together as a nation, liberate ourselves and return to the Botswana that we knew and enjoyed under Sir Strete Khama, Sir QKJ Marie and Dr. G.Mogae. We need to look beyond party politics, and sometimes petty politics and recall our best and finest to the front line. UDC was hope for some but signs are all there that blood is to be spilt before sanity prevails. They are going to fight for positions of power and prevent UDC from take over from BDP.
Where are the Trade Unions, civil societies or churches. Can’t they come together and help us reclaim our country back from the looters. We can’t fight over who should be president when the country needs to rise from the current political uncertainty. Are they not able to guide us on the way forward, what next now? Like Zambia where Bishop Mwamba, from nowhere is said to become a hopeful presidential candidate in that country. I am thinking of Pastor Hambira and Reverend Mpho Moruakgomo.
We also have men and women of impeccable integrity outside politics who can be approached to lead us. Given the economic dwindle due to Covid 19 pandemic, which some Economic Analysts predict a high unemployment rate, we are at a do or die situation. Painful decisions have to be taken.
No president in the world a decisions that is embraced by all including his open close associates. If you don’t like the president’s style of leadership in whatever political entity, wait for the next elections to cast your vote. Insulting and disrespecting the head of state must not be tolerated with the contempt it deserves. Any presidential candidate who becomes a head of state deserves respect and space to lead. Thus respecting the office of the presidency and not an individual. It is normal that presidents are criticised because of their position but must be done with some due respect.
Actually your criticism would be well received when done in good faith, augmented with facts and less anger. Some of us who used to be political activists and now watching from a distance and with no ambition of a political office are without political pressure, pray and hope that God does not leave nor forsake us. We sometimes get tempted to come back to add value with the experience learnt from legends such the late General M.Merafhe, The former Speaker M.Nasha, Judge Key Dingake and Mr. L.Mpotokwane, just to name a few. But due to greediness from some political quarters we turned to restrain ourselves. We also pray to God that He continues to give our President some wisdom to lead.
I pray for the end to the pandemic because I miss hugs!
Eddie Mdluli
Jackalas No1