23 Jan 2017

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) members have been encouraged to vote for their party candidate in large numbers during a council bye-election scheduled for February 11 in Rasesa.

Addressing a Rally to launch the candidate for the ward in Rasesa on Sunday, the Vice President and also BDP chairperson, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said Mr Daniel Molokwe was an able leader deserving to be given a chance to serve residents.

He said he understood that the electorate were still reelling in shock after the loss of former area councillor, Ms Seasebeng Monyake, adding that they could remedy the situation by electing Mr Molokwe.

Mr Masisi said BDP had proved to be a trustworthy party, which came up with many programmes geared towards improving the lives of Batswana.

The Vice President also emphasised the importance of understanding party policies and structures that enabled them to speak better about the party.

He also encouraged them to respect the party by putting on party colours when going for rallies and other party meetings.

He told the BDP members to defend their party from attacks and always strive to set the record straight, adding that they should go out and sell the party recruit new members.

Still at the rally, Mr Masisi welcomed new members into the party among them Mr Mmusi Kgafela.

When he took to the podium, Mr Kgafela confirmed that he had indeed joined the BDP, adding that he was happy to be welcomed into the party. He also allayed some people's fears that he was going to replace Dr Unity Dow in the constituency.

He said in a true democracy, everyone had equal chance to leadership and encouraged all party members to work together and move forward.

Mr Kgafela further denied reports that his membership would divide the royal family, urging people to leave the royal house out of politics.

He also endorsed the council candidate for Rasesa, Mr Molokwe saying he knew him as a hard worker.

He said Bakgatla would be sending the right person to council who would not disappoint them.

Specially elected Councilor, Mr Tshwarelo Motsumi implored voters to vote for the BDP as they did in 2014 , adding that the work that was begun by Councillor Monyake had to be completed and the right person for the job was Mr Molokwe.

For his part, Mr Molokwe said he intended to change Rasesa by engaging the community and working with the youth to benefit from government programmes.

He said when he visited India's Mumbai with the Vice President to benchmark on business projects, he learnt that anything could make business. Therefore he said he would like to work with the youth to bring those business opportunities to the village and change the lives of Batswana. BOPA