It’s easy for Saleshando

Not criticising something means that you actually condone it. Binge drinking is a super spreader of the virus as drinkers do not keep protocols – there is no wearing of masks and social distancing. One reason why the LOO is silent over this matter, and turns a blind eye to it, may be that most of these revellers are clearly young people and we know that the majority of the youth are UDC supporters. So, Saleshando does not want to be seen criticising them for fear of offending them and losing their votes in 2024. Votes are more important than saving lives! And continuously blasting government for its ‘ incompetence’ in dealing with the pandemic may cause UDC supporters to think that the protocols laid down by the government are ineffective and can do nothing to stop the virus from spreading. So, let’s keep drinking! Another reason is that criticising others mean that government is not alone to blame for the spread of the virus. And the UDC ( especially the BNF) wants the nation to believe that it’s all the fault of government, once again, to score political points. It’s all about criticising for the sake of it; playing to the gallery!

In March 2020, I watched a programme on South African TV which showed the leaders of the ruling African National Congress ( ANC) and the two leading Opposition parties – the Democratic Alliance ( DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters ( EFF) standing side by side saying that they would form a united front against the pandemic. And in his own words, the EFF leader implored South Africans to abide by the protocols that had been put in place by government. And those words came from a party that is very vocal in its opposition to the ANC government and have even staged walkouts from the South African Parliament! So, why can’t the UDC swallow its pride and stand alongside the BDP government to show unity in defeating the virus – they need to up their game. After all, defeating the virus is not a political issue; it would be on the agenda of any party in power! This is certainly not the time for partisan politics when trying to deal with the disease. Saleshando blames government also for the slow rollout of vaccines. And he has a valid point there – one can sympathise with Batswana complaining of having to wait hours to get their shot or finding that vaccination centres have simply run out of vaccines. I have experienced it myself. The government must do better here and ensure timely and efficient distribution of the vaccines; it’s not enough to say that vaccines have been ‘ secured.’

And he also blames government for the rising death toll. But vaccinations alone are not the solution. The President has repeatedly told Batswana that they also have a part to play; after all, there are more than two million of us. One cannot blame government alone when so many people are reckless in their behaviour and do not follow COVID- 19 protocols. Disregarding them comes at a price! As mentioned before, drinking spots are super spreaders of the virus but Saleshando remains silent. He must realise that the rollout of vaccines alone may not be enough to contain the virus.