09 Apr 2018

Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane has implored Botswana Democratic Party members in the Mochudi East constituency to vote for Mr Mpho Moruakgomo in the bye-elections scheduled for April 21.

Speaking at a political rally at Boseja ward in Mochudi on April 8, Mr Tsogwane said it was important that they honour the wish of their late Member of Parliament, Mr Isaac Davids, who died after re-joining BDP from the opposition.

He said Moruakgomo was a good replacement as he was an able leader and a sellable candidate who was all rounded on issues of governance and development.

The Vice President further said as the BDP, they liked peace and knew that Bakgatla were a peaceful people, saying those who continued to propagate fight between government and the tribe were not truthful and could not be trusted.

Mr Tsogwane said while he was Minister of Local Government, he addressed the issue of Bakgatla and acted on recommendations of the commission that was set to find lasting solutions to all matters between them and government.

He said the opposition had no right to ‘add salt to a healing wound’ as government had made peace with Bakgatla.

The Vice President further said Bakgatla in Mochudi East should rectify the mistake they made in 2014 when they voted opposition.

He said now was time to correct that mistake and vote for BDP, which would carry them far as they had good programmes that empowered them.

Mr Tsogwane said it was important for Bakgatla to vote for Mr Moruakgomo because he could work easily with President Mokgweetsi Masisi as they knew what was expected of them as Members of Parliament.

Member of Parliament for Serowe South, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, who is also Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, urged voters to make sure BDP won the constituency by voting in large numbers.

She also urged those who lost during the bye-election primaries to rally behind the BDP candidate and ensure they mobilise voters to vote for Mr Moruakgomo.

Dr Venson-Moitoi said she was at peace with the choice that President Masisi had made for the vice presidency as he had to pick someone.

She therefore emphasised that it was important that all who lost elections should rally behind those who would win so that they built a strong BDP, which would continue to lead Batswana in peace.

She said the BDP did not look down upon its members as anyone could attain the highest position and stood a chance to be what they could be in the party as well as in government.

Dr Venson-Moitoi said the BDP also respected the rule of law as they were committed to holding elections every five years even if the party’s support was dwindling.

Mochudi West constituency candidate for 2019 elections, Mr Mmusi Kgafela said he had known Mr Moruakgomo for a long time and had always looked up to him for many things.

He said he knew him as someone who never refused assignments by elders and would do the job without fail.

Mr Kgafela said Mr Moruakgomo was a hard worker, a leader, a humble man and a parent who guided many people in life.

He said he rumors that BDP did not like Kgosi Kgafela II were false.

Mr Kgafela said people should disdain from unnecessarily sowing hatred as matters of bogosi and government had been resolved and peace should be instituted.

He warned Bakgatla to stop using the name of Kgosi Kgafela II for political mileage as he could not divulge his political stance, which was his secret.

For his part, Mr Moruakgomo asked Bakgatla to give him a chance to lead the constituency promising that he would bring them developments.

He said he had four things that he would like to achieve; among them education, eco-tourism and local empowerment.

Mr Moruakgomo said he still wondered why education had dropped when all necessities were being provided, unlike during the olden days when there were no amenities such as electricity.

He said even the then learners did better than the current crop.

He said that called for new ideas to be implemented so that the education sector could be turned around for good.

He also urged electorate to use the advantage of the periphery to Gaborone city to benefit from provision of accommodation as a business since many people were in need of residential houses to rent.

Mr Moruakgomo said the youth staying in the villages along Madikwe River could benefit from eco-tourism and earn a good living.

He called on voters to ensure they vote him so that changes could come to the constituency.

Also present at the rally were Specially Elected MP, Mr Eric Molale, MP for Serowe North, Mr Tshekedi Khama, MP for Kgalagadi South, Mr France Van Der Westhuizen and MP for Shoshong, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele. ENDS