Responding to the national address by His Excellency the President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the Leader of Opposition (LOO) Dumelang Saleshando mentioned eight (8) solutions the country needs currently.
According to Saleshando, President Masisi mentioned what the country already knows and failed to come up with solutions to the status quo.
Saleshando is of the view that the country can be saved through the implementation of his following suggestions;
- Admit Mistakes and Avoid Repeating them
Saleshando believes that fights aligned with political colors should come to an end so that the pandemic can be fought collectively. He further holds that the government should admit that lockdowns and a long State of Emergency are not working. He noted that nothing to write home about has been achieved through the two measures deployed by the government.
- Ramp up Vaccination
The Leader of Opposition is of the view that the President has to personally lead in securing the vaccines for the nation in the same way former President Mogae championed access to ARV to curb the HIV AIDS related deaths. “For our population size and the cordial relations we have with leading countries that manufacture vaccines, we can definitely do better than we are currently performing. Botswana needs to vaccinate all those that need to be vaccinated before the end of 2021 and not 2022 as proposed by the President. If we all put our minds to it, we can fully vaccinate the nation by end of 2021, Its Possible.” he suggested.
- Local Manufacture of Vaccines
The local manufacturing of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) vaccines is the key according to Saleshando. He says Botswana has to leverage on its cordial relations with developed countries to import experience and technology for the operation. By so doing, Botswana will not only save its citizens, but will be able to export to neighboring countries.
- Vaccination of Teachers and other front liners
It has been evident that most infections happened at schools. This is proved by the fact that teaching fraternity recorded a high number (over 60) of COVID-19 fatalities. Saleshando is convinced that teachers, non-teaching staff, and other frontline workers needs to be vaccinated to reduce deaths and spread of the virus.
- Ivermectin Deployment
Ivermectin should be used to try to curb the severity of the virus, according to Saleshando, he suggested, “Since the outbreak of Covid 19, there has been debate on the medical use of Ivermectin for Covid patients. Experts in countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Japan have published reports that show how the drug significantly reduces mortality. An increasing number of countries are approving the use of the drug for Covid patients, including South Africa and Zimbabwe. Why is Botswana not considering the use of the drug given the uncontrollable increase in infection?”
- Saving Businesses
The businesses are on their lowest due to measures deployed by the government, Saleshando has observed. The sudden lockdowns and bans on sales of some products like alcohol are greatly affecting businesses according to the Leader of Opposition. He says that the tourism industry is performing poorly because some countries discourage tourists to come to Botswana due to the current State of Emergency.
- Stability in Public Service
Stability is key, so advices Dumelang, the current loss of control in the pandemic may be attributable to frequent changes in leadership. “Since the outbreak of Covid 19, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has experienced unending staff movements at the top level. Ministers have changed, permanent secretaries have changed at least three (3) times and so has the Director of Public Health. This is not the way to fight a health pandemic.” Saleshando advised.
- National Covid Pitso
Saleshando calls for national unity in the fight against COVID-19, he says the president should invite politicians from the other side of the isle, trade unions, business community,faith-based organizations and other stakeholders. The stakeholders would then help with ideas on how to best fight the pandemic. “We need to come together as a nation to protect ourselves against a common enemy. When the nation comes together to pray, it should not be praying for a miracle, but for the success of a plan that has benefitted from the wisdom of all the leaders.” Saleshando proclaimed.
