Politicians, let scientists lead Covid19 fight

AS A CITIZEN, I DEMAND TO HEAR MORE FROM OUR COVID-19 TASK FORCE ABOUT THE POTENTIAL LOCKDOWN. I WANT TO HEAR LESS FROM POLITICIANS ABOUT THE SAME MATTER.

Why are our political (mis)leaders reportedly “at pains” about whether or not to go into lockdown again? It’s not up to THEM. They must allow the scientific experts to speak/decide. Are we NOT dying? Are we NOT dying fast enough for these self-seeking politicians to step aside and be led for once?

This is a once-in-a-century crisis and you are breaking my heart and those of your people. Here is why. This war against khôrôna should be led by our (very capable, mind you) scientists. But instead, our Botswana politicians keep frustrating scientific experts in these efforts (these “frustrations” are documented, if anyone cares). Stop it, our (mis)leaders.

I want all Botswana politicians right now to know that this is a time for them to step back and be led.

Let our Botswana expert scientists be the ones “at pains” about what to do to keep us safe in this global pandemic so far with two more infectious variants and mutating. Whether the lockdown exposes your inability to care for your people in a time of a global pandemic or not… yes, important but for now WAIT… don’t let THAT cloud khôrôna policy. Don’t do THAT.

I would feel safer as a citizen if I knew (and was reassured. Yes, again!) that national measures against khôrôna are left to the experts and that politicians may only advise without much legal force.

To you, our (mis)leaders, it is disappointingly dangerous to see you putting lives at risk for political gain at a time like THIS. All this dithering is because of you and NOT because of our scientific experts. You dither because you are choosing to worry more about votes in the next election cycle than human life. I ask you to pause that. If you do, history will remember you kindly.

This is a time unlike any other… you need to let your wartime mode kick in against this invisible enemy. For that enemy who is a virus to be met with force, your best army is your scientists and medical personnel. Genuinely put them in the frontlines. Not just as visibly frustrated poster-children.

My love for Batswana is un-minimized by any political leanings as yet, and I feel perfectly within my rights (despite your assault on dissenting opinions) to say that BWgovernment needs to let the scientists take the lead, if only to build public trust since saving lives doesn’t seem to be persuasive. A true leader knows when to be led.

#UprightAfrican