03 Jul 2018

Vice President and also BDP chairman Mr Slumber Tsogwane has appealed to Tati West constituents to vote for Mr Godfrey Smiles in the Ramokgwebana council ward by-election slated for July 14.

The seat became vacant after the death of the then BDP councillor Mr Phikisani Makgetho some three months ago.

Launching Mr Smiles in Jackalas No.1  on July 2 , Mr Tsogwane asked fellow democrats to ensure that the party retained the seat which it won in the 2014 general elections.

He said fellow democrats could only achieve the victory if they work hand in hand with the party leadership and party structures in place.

Mr Tsogwane described Mr Smile as an asset to the ruling party and that voting him into council would continue where the late Mr Makgetho left off.

He said since the ward was a BDP stronghold there was no reason why the opposition could snatch it.

He advised voters to put their identity and registration cards safely to ensure their participation in the bye-election.

Mr Tsogwane appealed to primary election losers to accept the results and continue being supportive to the winner.

He however warned Mr Smiles to work hard to recruit more members in order to win the by-election.

The vice president said  BDP remained the only party in the country capable of improving the lives of Batswana adding it was second to none in coming up with sound and good policies aimed at creating employment.

Government through the BDP leadership would continue to improve the living standards of Batswana, he said. saying the issue of lack of drinking water in Jackalas No. 1 would soon be a thing of the past.

He said government was working overtime to address issues of unemployment, bad roads, wildlife/human conflict and immigration laws as well as shortage of water in Jackalas No.1.

Another speaker, MP for Tati West Mr Biggie Butale said the distribution of resources in Botswana under the BDP leadership was done equally.

He said the BDP led government did not discriminate anyone when it comes to educating Batswana and the provision of health facilities.

He also urged the electorates to vote for Mr Smiles on July 14.

For his part Mr Smiles vowed to deliver on his mandate if voted into power.

He promised to tackle issues of unemployment by opening the market stalls at Ramokgwebana Border Gate and internal roads.

Another contestant in the by-election is Mr Morapedi Mafohla of the BPP contesting under the UDC ticket.

Meanwhile BPP deputy campaign manager and Mosojane councillor Mr Mbaakayi Smart said in an interview that their candidate would be launched by the UDC President, Mr Duma Boko on July 7. ENDS