Mashaba takes on Nkawana
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday October 9, 2023 06:00
While Mashaba is said to be popular amongst some sections of the party, in favour of Nkawana are incumbency and the fact that he is running a well-oiled campaign machinery.
“Incumbency is going to help Nkawana to win the primaries compared to his contender.
Again, he is well organised since some of his supporters are in control of party structures. It is not his second time to contest in Selibe-Phikwe East and he managed to win it from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP),” a source said. “He stood against former MP Nonofho Molefhi in the 2014 General Election and lost but won the area against him (Molefhi) in 2019.
The BCP members would not want to lose the area to the BDP, therefore, they will vote him back. One of the important things that must be taken into consideration regarding this area is that both BCP and BDP could win it looking at 2019 General Election results.” Despite being the incumbent, the source added that Nkawana has resources compared to his challenger, which are an advantage to him.
It was further revealed that party members are still protective of certain areas after being betrayed by some activists who defected or remained with Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) when the BCP pulled out. The source pointed out that Nkawana has better experience with the primary elections since he has been in the game for a long time. In contrast, another source believes that Mashaba will bring competition to Nkawana. “Mashaba is well known in Selebi-Phikwe East by the youth and they seem to relate well with him.
He has been in the party structures and played a major role in different party campaigns. He might not win but his presence will be felt on the ground. He is a hard worker, therefore, he would not give up easily as many may think.
If he had resources, then he would stand a better chance to win,” the source said. However, some believe the current voters' roll was not audited and therefore, might confuse members as it has names of old members who no longer stay in the area. Nkawana, who is the MP for the area, admitted that the voters' roll is old as it has members who no longer stay in the area. “Our voters' roll has both new and old members. It has close to 18,000 members in it. I believe that the number of those who will cast their votes will go down to 3,000 or above. It needs to be audited. I am confident that I will win the primaries, no doubt about it.
People still have confidence in me,” he said. Nkawana confidently said he had never lost primary elections before and there was nothing knew that could make him lose. However, Nkawana said he cannot take the competition light because one could not know what another contender is relying on or what he has in store. The area MP preferred to state that he likes primary elections because they enhance inner-party democracy and make the party grow. He said the party members who were not active started to get involved in party activities when primary elections were held because of the mood or vibe that was there. Nkawana said primary elections also help the party to grow its membership as well since new members are registered. For his part, Mashaba said he is confident that he will win come Saturday. “I grew up in Selebi-Phikwe East and residents of this area have assured me of their vote. They are funding my campaign and offering their resources so that I can campaign without a problem.
Currently, things are not as difficult or hard as I had thought because of the support I am getting from my age mates who we grew up together in the area. I do have experience with primaries since I once contested for a council seat. I helped other party members to win theirs,” Mashaba said. On the issue of the voters' roll, Mashaba also shared the same sentiments with his contender that there is a need for it to be audited since some people are no longer staying in Selibe-Phikwe while some may be dead.
He continued: “About 18 ,000 is a lot of number for the primaries. It does not look realistic. Of course, membership has increased but we need a true picture of members in the area.” Meanwhile, in the newly created Kgatleng central constituency, Tumelo Senwelo faces Michael Moji. The two candidates Senwelo and Moji are well-known BCP members in the area and it is not yet clear who might win the area. Wards that make up the Kgatleng Central area include all three Boseja wards, Bogare, Mokgopana, Moshawana, Bokone, Mosanta and Ntshinoge