11 Nov 2025

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has launched  Mr Tokyo Modise, as the party’s candidate for Kgalagadi South by-election, scheduled for November 15.

At a rally held in Tsabong on November 8, UDC Vice President Ndaba Gaolatlhe urged constituents to vote for Mr Modise, describing him as an exemplary educator and a man of wisdom.

He hailed Mr Modise as a worthy successor to the late Dr Micus Chimbombi, and said the constituency was fortunate to have such a principled and experienced leader. He highlighted Mr Modise’s extensive career in education.

“Mr Modise has been a teacher and a head teacher all his life, transforming teachers and children around the country,” he said.

Mr Gaolathe praised the candidate’s patient and dedicated service, noting that he had taught children in Kgalagadi South “with love and patience” and had been actively involved in sports development.

He further linked Mr Modise’s professional experience to the constituency’s pressing challenges, assuring the electorate that, once elected, he would prioritise improving the performance of local schools and addressing education-related concerns. He added that Mr Modise’s leadership would also help stimulate small business growth in the district.

“With Mr Modise in Parliament, we have no doubt that small businesses in this district are going to grow,” he said.

Emphasising the candidate’s strong local ties, Mr Gaolatlhe noted that Mr Modise is a native of Kgalagadi and fully understands the area’s challenges, particularly the critical water and land issues.

He also referenced the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), describing it as a national initiative requiring “strong women and strong men like Mr Modise to implement.”

The BETP, he explained, is a multi-year reform strategy aimed at reducing Botswana’s dependency on diamond exports by diversifying the economy towards sectors such as financial services, tourism, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

The programme’s key goals include stimulating private sector growth, attracting investment, reducing unemployment, and improving public service efficiency.

For his part, Modise pledged to lead with patience, diligence, and respect if elected. He promised to transform the lives of the people of Kgalagadi South.

Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support, he urged voters to exercise wisdom on Saturday and to maintain public order by cooperating with the police and polling officers during the election process. ENDS