30 Oct 2022

Some residents of Moshupa/Manyana have expressed contentment with their constituency  boundary.

Speaking during a Delimitation Commission consultative kgotla meeting in Moshupa on Thursday, specially elected councillor, Ms Ponatshego Tshiping said Moshupa/Manyana was sparsely populated and therefore there was no need to alter its boundary.

She said the recent population census did not indicate any significant population growth in the constituency that included Bikwe, Machana, Ralekgetho, Manyana, Goo-Kodisa, Polokwe, Tshwaane and Lotlhakane West, among others. 

She, however, pleaded with relevant authorities to consider Manyana residents’ reluctance to continue being part of the constituency.

Given that Botswana is a democratic country, she said, if Manyana residents felt they should be removed from Moshupa/Manyana constituency, they should be removed to respect their right to be heard.

Moshupa East councillor, Mr Lentswe Mosanako, said the dividing line of the constituency was good and therefore did not need re-alignment, adding after exploring all the characteristics and dynamics of the constituency, he was of the view that it should remain unchanged.

Moshupa West councillor, Mr Motlhatlhosi Kelobang, concurred with other speakers that the boundary should not be altered and also pleaded with the relevant authorities to consider Manyana residents’ request.

Mr Joshua Moswetle, a resident of Moshupa, said there was no need for demarcation.

Another resident, Mr Pako Rantshilwane, thanked the Delimitation Commission for a sterling job they were doing.

He, however, said he was of the view that the constitution should be changed looking at the fact that people of the same cultural background were put into different political boundaries and districts.

He cited Thamaga, which is in Kweneng District and Moshupa/Manyana constituency being in the Southern District.

Mr Rantshilwane said the change of constitution to allow for flexibility would promote, revive and preserve culture.

He said if Manyana was to be removed it could be included in the Gabane/Mmakgodi constituency to join other Bahurutshe.

Meanwhile, Mr Isiah Ntwayapelo also a resident of Moshupa was of the view that the constituency should not be demarcated but said slight alterations could be made to bring back Seherelela, Sesung and Selokolela into Moshupa/Manyana constituency. ENDS