|
I have followed a number of commentators in the local media about the so called death of democracy in Botswana, especially by the BDP president. It is a shame that Motswaledi’s supporters think that his undisputed win would have been vindictive of Khama’s disrespect for democratic principles.
Khama has been turned in to a punching bag by all, politicians, academics, losers - those who want power themselves and others without description. Whatever Khama does there will always be an opposition and whoever opposes Khama they will support. It was DK they say, now its, Motswaledi they say.
Political parties that have offered Batswana nothing over a period of time have also taken their cut from the president. Their manifestos are full of nothing but vague policies that are not meant to benefit Batswana but oppose Khama’s policies.
They should give us policies that are beyond Khama and bring alternatives – for the Media Act: what will they bring that would curtail irresponsible reporting of the media? Who will watch the watchdogs? Khama’s initiatives: what would they replace them with; something that could benefit the youth and the unemployed of this country? Service delivery: what are they going to do to remove the laxity that we see in government departments? What would they do with all the graduates? Where will they get the money to sponsor students who waste their time with alcohol and drugs, students who keep on failing? Where will they get the money to increase civil service salaries? What about affordable health care? Has anybody heard anybody talk about it? The list goes on and on.
Newspapers are the worst; they need to give us the facts as they are. Though I value their contribution in other sectors, they must stop making decision for us and tell us how to feel about the President. I am tired of newspapers assuming that just because we are not journalists we are naïve enough to understand when they are building cases that would not be justified with facts. It is a shame that most people who oppose Khama base their arguments from opinions we get from newspapers. The media also takes advantage of the fact that we cannot get this information anywhere else. They play with their freedom to speculate.
What about the so many people who go around talking about democracy as if they know what it means? Civil liberties are not absolute and democracy like-wise. Freedom of speech; what about other people’s dignity? As you exercise your freedom to speak, do you defame people, spreading hate speeches and lies about people? In the democracy that you so want what type of consultation do you want? Botswana is not Athenian democracy where almost every single person was consulted. We elected his party and he has sworn during his inauguration that he will use his judgment to better the country. If he fails we know what to do. The power of the vote is always available. But instead of using it we cry like babies claiming all sorts of stories. If we can not vote we cannot complain, period.
It’s unfortunate that Motswaledi had to lose his candidature but he should have known better and as much as I symphathise with him he does not for me epitomize democracy. He was just a political man fighting a political game. His loss is not a loss for democracy. He should be a true politician, dust himself up and start again. That’s the way of politics. It has no morality and thinking that politics has morals will be a fundamental. All the blame should also go to his lawyers and so-called friends and advisers. Every single person in the country knew that the President cannot be taken to court. Its either they failed him or he did not want to listen to them.
To Motswaledi, beware of those who offer you fake help and solace but are simply pursuing hidden political agendas. Why did Mr. Pilane wait so long to tell us that his advice to President Mogae was wrong - probably the legal expert that is failing Motswaledi? To me, if President Khama is as bad a choice as you insinuate then you are as responsible for the mess because you should have seen it coming, you were paid to know better. Unlike other people who praise you for speaking against the President, I am not a bit amused by your sudden turnover o itlhotlhora matsogo.
As we go and vote we should never forget that our deeds will judge us as much as we want to judge Khama.. Unlike most people I am going to vote not to punish or seek revenge against Khama or the BDP, I am going to vote the best man or woman who will represent me.
Batswana, Botswana is not going down the drain and no matter how much we wish or dream Botswana can never go down. I know some will call me an optimistic person but am absolutely certain that Batswana, Botswana will win’ we have won before and we will win again. Khama is not a bad omen for Botswana like other commentators say, this is a test of our democracy, this is a test of Botswana’s human rights principles. This is a test of the values and the liberty that our forefathers crafted and enshrined so well in our constitution.
It is through Khama that we will know how great the country is, through his vices and his strengths. His weaknesses will show us our general and far damaging weaknesses. All countries need to go through these challenges in order to one day say we were tested and we won. Khama will be sacrificed for the greater good of all Batswana, period. But of course history will be the ultimate judge of all actors including you and I.
BY Babo Pele Ramando
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
