04 Jul 2018

The Vice President and also the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) national chairman, Mr Slumber Tsogwane has appealed to electorates in the Tati West constituency to vote for the BDP council candidate, Mr Godfrey Smiles in the coming Ramokgwebana council ward bye-election slated for July 14.

The Council 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 make sure that the party retains the seat which it won in the 2014 general elections with large numbers.

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 BDP and voting him to council would be a welcome development because he would continue where the late Makgetho left.

He explained that because the Ramokgwebana council ward was a BDP stronghold, there was no reason why the opposition could snatch it from the ruling BDP.

He appealed to electorates to put their identity and registration cards safely so that they participate in the bye-election in large numbers.

Mr Tsogwane thanked those who lost in the Bulela Ditswe primary elections to accept the results and continue to be supportive to the winner.

However, he warned Mr Smiles to work very hard with party structures in the constituency and recruit more members from the opposition in order to win the bye-election.

The Vice President explained that BDP remains the only party in the country, capable of improving the lives of Batswana adding that BDP is second to none in coming up with sound and good policies aimed at creating employment.

He assured the electorates that government, through the BDP leadership would continue to improve the living standards of Batswana saying the issue of lack of drinking water in Jackalas No. 1 would soon be a thing of the past.

He also explained that the government was working overtime to make sure that issues of unemployment, bad roads, wildlife/human conflict and immigration laws were addressed to benefit Batswana.

Mr Tsogwane also thanked the President Masisi’s administration saying the ‘President is a visionary leader who wants to see Batswana developed.’

He rubbed aside rumours and perceptions that President Masisi would fail to take the country forward after the departure of the former president, Lt General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, whom everyone regarded as productive and innovative.

The ruling BDP is a nationalist party which does not divide Batswana, he said and refuted allegations that under the BDP, the country would be divided into two-the north and south, with a boundary at Dibete veterinary gate.

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, adding that he would place them high on his agenda at the North East District Council.

Other contestants are, Mr Morapedi Mafohla of the Botswana Peoples Party (BDP) contesting under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) ticket.

Meanwhile, the BPP deputy campaign manager and Councillor for Mosojane, Mr Mbaakayi Smart said in an interview that their candidate, Mr Mafohla would be launched by the UDC President, Mr Duma Boko by the post office freedom square in Ramokgwebana on July 7. ENDS