13 Oct 2024

Umbrella for Democratic Change’s (UDC) parliamentary candidate for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse is seeking re-election for a third term.

Mr Keorapetse will be contesting the seat against  Botswana Democratic Party(BDP)’s , Ms Beauty Manake and Mr Reuben Kaizer of Botswana Congress Party’s (BCP)

He was first elected as MP for Selebi Phikwe West in 2014 under the BCP ticket and under the UDC ticket in 2019.

Presenting Mr Keorapetse to constituents during his launch in Selebi Phikwe on Saturday, UDC treasurer general, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi described Mr Keorapetse as a hardworking, intelligent and capable candidate who had represented the constituency well in Parliament since 2014.

He said Mr Keorapetse had been the voice for the people and a committed advocate for democracy having contributed immensely in law making by tabling motions and bills before Parliament successfully.

Mr Mmolotsi also described Mr Keorapetse as a researcher of repute who earned the position of leader of opposition, adding that the opposition did well in the 12^th Parliament because of his guidance and research skills which would be instrumental even in the 13^th Parliament.

Furthermore, he pleaded with Selebi Phikwe West constituents to give Mr Keorapetse a third chance by voting for him in the coming general elections slated for October 30.

He said BDP and BCP candidates were no match to Mr Keorapetse and would never represent the constituency in the manner that Mr Keorapetse did. Mr Keorapetse represented former BCL employees well and should be given a chance to continue advocating for their rights, Mr Mmolotsi said and added that Selebi Phikwe West was one of the 31 constituencies the party needed to win the 2024 general elections and bring change for Batswana.

UDC deputy leader, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe said BCL mine was shut down because the BDP government failed to do things right.

He said the closure of the mine which was the main source of employment in the town had not only affected the economy of Selebi Phikwe but had increased poverty levels and shattered many dreams.

Mr Gaolathe also accused the BDP of mismanaging public funds which depleted government coffers, something the country never experienced before.

He said Botswana had gone through economic recessions in the past years but managed to pull through within a short period of time.

“What we are experiencing now is not an economic recession. Vote for the UDC because we have better ideas for a new Botswana,” said Mr Gaolathe.

Mr Keorapetse  pleaded with Selebi Phikwe constituents to give him an opportunity to represent them for the third time and also urged them to vote for UDC council candidates in order to continue with development projects planned for the town such as market stalls and storm water drainage system.

He explained that the UDC had performed well in terms of delivering projects among them maintenance of streetlights and paving roads using interlocking bricks.

He promised more projects once voted. Ends