- Serame says engaging in uninformed debate could cast govt in a bad light
- Appeals to “unknowledgeable democrats” to first seek clarity
SESUPO RANTSIMAKO
“Uninformed democrats” have been warned to refrain from participating in debates about the deal between De Beers and the Botswana Government and the government’s recent importation of American cattle breeds that are currently trending on social media.
According to the Chairperson of the Botswana Democratic Party Women’s Wing (BDPWW), Peggy Serame, engaging in these debates while insufficiently informed has the potential to show the government in a bad light.
Wrong side
Speaking at a BDPWW political and empowerment workshop in Francistown over the weekend, Serame called on the democrats to seek clarity before they comment on issues.
“These two are hot-potato subjects and should be approached with care because commenting on them while ill-informed has the potential to put the BDP government on the wrong side,” she warned.
Well thought out
“Social media commentators, especially democrats, should learn to refrain from debating on subjects they are not privy to.
If you are interested in being a part of these ongoing social media debates but you are not sure of your information, ask for clarity or refrain.”
Serame added that what critics should know is that the decisions to re-negotiate the De Beers diamond deal and to import cattle breeds from the United States were well thought out.
Stand firm
“Therefore, as democrats we should stand firm with the decisions made by the BDP-led government,” she emphasised.
Debate on the two issues has been raging on social media with no signs of abating.
The debate became heated following President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s statements at several Kgotla meetings that the government is ready to walk away from its negotiations for a better deal with De Beers if the mining giant proves intransigent.
Recent importation of the 162 American cattle breeds has sparked a similarly contentious debate.