Autlwetse contests BDP DSG as 'Mokoko'
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday August 23, 2022 06:00
He is running under the theme ‘Pathway For Youth Progression’ as he contests for the deputy secretary-general (DSG) position.
Autlwetse will be battling it out with Foreign Affairs Minister Lemogang Kwape and Member of Parliament Unity Dow. While Dow is in Nonofo Molefhi’s lobby team, Kwape will run on Vice President Slumber Tsogwane’s ticket.
So far, Autlwetse is the only one running as an independent candidate while those contesting for positions have their teams.
Speaking to The Monitor, Autlwetse said one could still win elections even if he does not have a lobby team.
“I am advocating for the party to retain members.
This is more pressing than recruitment because when the party loses a lot of members with institutional memory, it loses its identity,” he said. “I believe the progression of cadres allows for the party to remain relevant. When leadership is in the hands of young people it is attractive to young people. These are the people that make up a good fraction of our population.”
He said the party must introspect on factors that led to the formation of the Botswana Movement for Democracy as a means to address the root cause of the generational disconnect between the party and its lost members.
Autlwetse, who is former secretary-general of National Youth Executive Committee, added the party must regain all Central District constituencies that it lost to opposition parties.
The aspirant said his company is doing well and some members are likely not to vote for lobby teams, as they want loyal members who will avail themselves whenever needed.
“This position needs a hard-working member who will be able to work hand-in-hand with the secretary-general at any given time, especially when going for the revival of party structures,” he said.