If the past 100 days is the yardstick with which to gauge and anticipate what the Masisi presidency will be all about, then the fanfare and pomp that ushered him in may all be in vain as we face the potential of another term of economic stagnation, empty promises and widespread corruption; a typical Domkrag presidency. It has always been our assertion that whoever takes over from Ian Khama would have the easiest of jobs given the lackluster performance the former president subjected this office and country to. President Masisi’s ascendency to the highest office in the land is one that was supposed to spark an ignition of hope for the youth but to no avail as yet.
President Masisi in his remarks on April 01 cited that he intends to tackle unemployment, the worst nightmare to the youth of Botswana. Regrettably, he has done nothing to that effect. Further to that, the energies he has displayed upon his arrival in office in normalizing the government should also be directed towards ensuring that the over 250 million pula looted by government officials should be paid back and the perpetrators brought to book for the corruption committed if at all the “Masisi o baakanya lehatshe” notion is anything to go by. We believe that the impact of this corruption has profound effects primarily on the youth, and thus must be addressed with utmost seriousness.
President Masisi must accelerate the introduction of the Arts Council which is long overdue and will play a huge role in regulating and facilitating the Arts in Botswana thereby protecting the local youth in the industry. Though the re-introduction of the All Party Conference remains a welcome development, there is still a paramount need for political party funding in order to nurture and support democracy. This will increase youth representation in political positions thus strengthening democracy in Botswana.
As a new President one would have expected Masisi in his first 100 days to accelerate the Tele broadcast of parliament on national television, a demand long made by Batswana who are the main custodians of democracy but to this effect, the President has not made his intentions clear on the issue. We believe as the Young Progressives that the parliament proceedings should be broadcast live on national television to afford Batswana an opportunity of gauging and assessing the capabilities of their elected representatives which must serve as a basis for electing such representatives.
The idea to review the tertiary students’ allowances no longer remains an option but is a great necessity for students. It is another welcome development, but can only be deemed as such if it is increased in accordance with the ever changing needs of our young people at tertiary school. The review should also be extended to graduates on the internship programme in order to match their skills and qualifications with the remunerations provided.
In conclusion, the Alliance for Progressives still believe that for Botswana to progress, the direction should have been provided in the first 100 days of President Masisi’s term in office. We believe that this country needs true and total transformation as re-iterated by our policy document. We believe there is a need to modernise the economy and restructure it so that the country moves towards transformation. If the “masisi o baakanya lehatshe” notion is anything to go by, then President Masisi and his administration should have been more prudent and rooted in transforming this country instead of normalizing the acts of corruption and misrule done in his presence as VP of the country.
Phemelo Kedumele
Secretary General- Young Progressives league
AP Young Progressives League
President Masisi’s first 100 days in office- the youth’s perspective
