New crop of opposition MPs raise hopes of robust Parliament

However, the fact that the ruling party has 41 MPs, more than twice the opposition number of 20 may make it another rubber stamp Parliament. BDP legislators have always used their strength in numbers to frustrate the opposition.

However, this has not prevented a strong team of opposition MPs - like the 1994-1999 crop - from giving the BDP a run for its money. Under the direction of the founding father of the BNF, the late Dr Kenneth Koma the likes of Michael Dingake, Maitshwarelo Dabutha, Vain Mamela, Paul Rantao, Otlaadisa Koosaletse, Mokgweetsi Kgosipula, Gilson Saleshando, Isaac Mabiletsa, Joseph Kavindama, Sidwell Gabatshwane, James Pilane and Kebadire Kalake proved their mettle in the seventh Parliament. For example, the late Dabutha of the bombshell fame was a combative swashbuckler who articulated the BNF policies very well. He was erudite and ebullient. The late Rantao mesmerised Parliament with his oratorical skills. He left his audience spellbound with his melodrama. He was a darling of the masses.