Tiego set to ‘complete’ Motswaledi’s dream
Innocent Selatlhwa | Monday September 18, 2023 06:00
“He envisioned a Botswana where each individual’s talents are nurtured, enabling them to achieve their full potential. A nation where education and healthcare are not merely rights but the cornerstones of our progress and prosperity.
A homeland where prosperity is not the privilege of a few but the birthright of all citizens, regardless of their background.
He envisaged a Botswana where our youth, brimming with energy and passion, eagerly anticipates a future where their creativity, innovation, and dedication contribute to our nation’s greatness.
A land where economic empowerment is not a privilege but a fundamental entitlement,” Tiego declared.
He said he would eventually meet members of the BMD who asked him to join their party and become their leader as their then leader Nehemiah Modubule wanted out.
“I would then fill in the forms in June 2023 and we went to a congress in Mahalapye recently where elections were held. I did not get it on the silver platter though I was not opposed.
Members of my team were subjected to elections and they won,” he said.
Quizzed if BMD was his maiden political home, Tiego was reminded of his biggest regret; joining the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in 2018 with the believe that President Mokgweetsi Masisi would be a better president than his predecessor Ian Khama.
“I liked what he did by putting Khama and Isaac Kgosi in their place. I was also pleased when he said he would advocate Batswana ba sekei to participate in the economy.
But I was wrong as the status quo persists and the economy is not in our hands. Batswana do not own land, they go to schools but do not get jobs. What irked me is that I tried many times to meet President Masisi to share my thoughts on what ought to be done. He refused to meet me. I even went to Broadhurst Police Station to report that by so doing he had stolen my vote,” he said.
Though he has yet to draw a map with his new team, Tiego was quick to state that he did not want his party to join the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). He said the formation has proved to be divisive. “If you look at all the parties within the UDC, they have troubles. The BMD was divided and AP was born, the BCP left the UDC and other members remained, the BPF who are said to have joined are also divided already. We also know the BNF had an offspring in the BLP. So I prefer we go at it on our own,” he said.
Tiego also said he was against the leadership of Boko because he allowed Khama into the UDC through BPF. “I am terrified of Khama and Kgosi, but now through Boko they are coming back. Boko had accused them of being part of those who assassinated Motswaledi. They failed to produce a report, and now they come here parading the suspects.
Tiego said though they have just a year before the general election, they would strive to build structures and contest in at least 35 constituencies. “In growing the party, we will be targeting the people from churches first. These include the elderly and even the younger generation. Also, as you have seen before, I am very active on social media and intend to work with some influencers to grow the BMD brand,” he said.
Tiego also said he was hopeful that the primary elections of different parties would lead to some members leaving and his party will be ready to welcome them. He also dismissed those who claim that ‘men of God’ should stay away from politics. “Politics is life, it is also ministry just like in church. We campaign for a certain way of life by campaigning for Jesus. In life, we campaign for other things to complete our fullness. Also, Botswana is a Christian state, look at how much the bible is used in courts, parliament and everywhere else, you cannot divorce Christianity from politics,” he said. He further added that all the former presidents were christians but nothing was said about that because it is not wrong.
Tiego declared that he would be vying for the Gaborone North Parliamentary seat in 2024. He said he believed that since he is an active member of the community who leads a neighbouhood watch in his location, he stands a good chance to win a parliamentary seat.
Tiego assumed the presidency of the BMD a fortnight ago in Mahalapye. In his inaugural addresses, Tiego flanked by his leadership team including his vice Apostle Donald Motsumi, secretary-general Wazha Phumaphi, party chair Julius Baitumetse, and treasurer Maipelo Mophuting, said they will transform the BMD into a beacon of hope and unity for all Batswana.
“In these next 100 days, we will labour tirelessly to rebuild this great movement. We will rise on wings like eagles; we will run and not grow weary; we will walk and not faint, placing our trust in the Lord, the renewer of our strength. In the forthcoming 100 days, we will unite and collaborate towards our ultimate liberation, where we will act collectively to fashion a Botswana that brims with perpetual prosperity and opportunities for all to thrive. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but, as history has taught us, it is not the absence of challenges that defines us, but our resolute response to them,” he said.