BDP happy with Moswaane�s passion
Innocent Selatlhwa | Wednesday December 9, 2015 16:02
Secretary general Botsalo Ntuane told a media briefing yesterday that Moswaane’s motion on the setting up of an enquiry over the water situation in the Greater Gaborone area amounts to no rule breaking.
“I have been in Parliament for 10 years, but have never seen an MP as passionate about their issues as Moswaane. He brings colour and excitement to Parliament. Without such people Parliament would be boring,” he said.
The party has resolved that any parliamentarian who acts against their caucus would be punished.
Ntuane stated that there was nothing wrong with Moswaane’s actions as he did not breach the party’s code of conduct and that the matter did not require him to consult the BDP caucus.
Moswaane’s motion did not see the light of day as it was supported by just two of his BDP colleagues. He had even gone to the extent of shedding tears in an attempt to have his motion debated.
On other issues, Ntuane said the party was delighted with the relationship they have with the media. However reporters from the private media expressed displeasure at some acts of discrimination by government officials who invite only state media to events.
Permanent Secretary to the President Carter Morupisi is said to have addressed a press conference on the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) recently.
“We are glad you brought the issue to our attention, our communication sub-committee meets with the cabinet monthly, they will relay the message,” he said.
On the issue of government’s advertising ban on private media, Ntuane said the party was always ready to engage all stakeholders. “If there are any issues with advertising by government, we have an open door policy and we are willing to facilitate such. We do not want a situation where concerned parties will be shouting at each other,” he said.
When speaking of the party’s activities this year, Ntuane highlighted the introduction of the ESP at the BDP Special Congress, saying even though there are some elements who dismiss the initiative, labelling such individuals as desperate, the majority of Batswana have praised it.
Ntuane said the party made great gains by attracting membership from some opposition parties. However it did not win a single by-election this year.