BCP blasts BDP over Chema Chema
While the Chema Chema Fund was officially launched in Maun over the weekend, members of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) criticised one of President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s flagship programmes.
At the launch of BCP aspiring parliamentary candidates for Tati East, Tlhabologo Furniture, and his council candidates, BCP activists attacked Chema Chema.
Councillor George Andreck led the charge, describing the new scheme as an electioneering gimmick devised by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to sway voters. Andreck emphasised the need to remove the moribund BDP from power since it has not addressed their needs since it assumed power. He also sporadically hauled the Umbrella for Democratic Change over the coals for “dearth of democracy” pleading with voters to elect BCP in the hotly anticipated general election in October if they want to live decent lives. Councillor Evelyn Kgodungwe also criticised Chema Chema, labelling it as a smokescreen designed for the elections.
Kgodungwe urged attendees to be discerning in distinguishing genuine programmes from political stunts. “Utilise the Chema Chema Fund because it is funded by taxpayers’ money but don’t vote for the BDP,” said Kgodungwe. BCP president, Dumelang Saleshando chimed in, questioning the fairness of Masisi’s sister, Boitumelo Phadi-Mmutle, winning public tenders worth over P800 million in five years, while the Chema Chema Fund is allocated only P500 million for over 2.3 million Batswana.
Saleshando urged Batswana to use the Chema Chema Fund but not to vote for the BDP, warning that it could lead to poverty in the next five years.
He also endorsed Furniture and his councillors. “I have known Furniture for a very long time, and he is a person with the right credentials to address the needs of the people of this constituency. He has occupied various positions in the party starting at ward level and I can safely say that he has gone through all the rights of passage and he is now fit and proper to become your next Member of Parliament,” the BCP president said.
Utilise the Chema Chema Fund because it is funded by taxpayers’ money but don’t vote for the BDP