03 Dec 2023

The upcoming December 9th Lepokole/Borotsi Council Ward bye election will serve as a litmus test for the 2024 general elections, according to speakers from the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) during the launch event of their candidate, Mr Moalosi Afa, in Bobonong on Saturday.

 Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile, Maun East MP and BCP secretary general, said that voters should not be deceived into believing that the BCP was still part of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).

“We have received reports that there are people going around telling electorates that Comrade Afa is standing under the UDC. This cannot be further from the truth,” he clarified, highlighting that this demonstrates the untrustworthiness of the UDC and the reason for the BCP’s separation from the coalition.

 Mr Kekgonegile urged voters to send a clear message to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) on December 9 that their time in power has come to an end. He highlighted BCP’s unique standards, setting them apart from the other contenders, BDP and UDC, as the BCP firmly believed that jobs that should benefit Batswana were being exported to other nations by the ruling party.

 “BCP believes that youth should either be in school or employed, but this is not the current reality. Therefore, we urge you to effect change by voting for Mr Afa in the bye election,” he stated. He also mentioned that the BCP advocates for child welfare allowance as a recognition that many women were unemployed and solely responsible for supporting their families.

 Mr Taolo Lucas, Area MP and party vice president, condemned the rising menace of ritual killings in the country. He firmly expressed that anyone who believes that killing someone could lead to riches is engaging in satanic practices and deserving of punishment.

   He emphasised the opportunity presented by the bye election for the Lepokole/Borotsi electorate to rally behind the BCP and send a strong message of the party’s resurgence. As a resident of the ward himself, he pledged to lead by example and be the first to cast his vote come Saturday.

  Regarding employment creation, Mr Lucas criticised BDP for failing the citizens of to the point where they perceive the Ipelegeng programme, with its meager remuneration, as a viable source of employment. He called on the government to at least double the salary of Ipelegeng workers, given the heavy reliance many individuals have on the programme.

 Still at the launch, Sefhare/Ramokgonami MP, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang, addressed the importance of democracy for the party and challenged voters to scrutinize how other parties were run, as it would aid them in selecting the right candidate. Gobotswang explained the BCP’s decision to part ways with the UDC, citing the latter’s indifference towards democracy.

 He further criticised  BDP government for their discretionary use of public funds without consulting Parliament on certain issues. To Mr Afa, Gobotswang said that while he would be expected to serve everyone if elected, his top priority should be the Lepokole/Borotsi Ward. He said he should  serve with distinction, as it would pave the way for the BCP’s success in the 2024 elections.

Mr Afa outlined the three virtues of a leader: botho, bopelotele, and boikanyego, which he encouraged voters to seek in tchosin a leader. He promised to advance the interests of Lepokole/Borotsi residents and be their voice at the council.

In the bye election, Mr Afa will be competing against Mr Letso Leshiba of the BDP and Mr Boitumelo Nyambe of the UDC. The Lepokole/Borotsi Ward seat became vacant after UDC councillor, Mr Motseothata Mafoko, resigned from active politics in May. Ends