The agony of BDP primaries
Ryder Gabathuse - Spira Tlhankane - Chakalisa Dube - Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday April 29, 2024 06:00
Palapye:
The BDP Central Committee (CC) made a callous decision when it endorsed a newcomer in the political game, Kungo Mabogo, ahead of another operative, Isaac Maforaga, who has been in the trenches for a long time now. The party politburo chose to vet out Maforaga and vet in a political greenhorn, Mabogo, who has been living outside the country for a long time in Namibia where the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) employed her. The decision can both be good and bad. Good in that, Mabogo, whose father was one of Palapye’s longest serving councillors, would like to leverage on the existing history to return the Palapye constituency to the ruling party. Since independence, Palapye was a stronghold of the ruling party until the 2019 General Election when the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) re-wrote history by ousting the ruling party. It is a tough call and Mabogo’s role will be to reconcile all the bruised party activists who are still reeling from the party’s shocking decision.
On the dark side, Mabogo’s win of the party ticket might be just hollow victory if Maforaga and company could choose not to forgive the party head honchos for vetting him out without an explanation as it is the case now. The painful reality is that the CC decision is final and without recourse.
Palapye will definitely be the cynosure of all eyes and the BDP might learn it the hard way for choosing to go with a newcomer at the expense of Maforaga and his followers who remained with the party when the masses crossed to the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF).
Tswapong North:
Definitely, the incumbent legislator, Setlhabelo Modukanele, is facing a fierce fight from two challengers, Gabagopole Sebele and Dumisane Jeremiah. Well, not much might be known about the challengers, but this will force Modukanele to fight with everything at his disposal in an endeavour to get his party ticket and battle it out at the general election. From those in the know, nothing will be obvious, something that might help the incumbent to win the party ticket.
Tswapong South: After an ambassadorship role in Australia, former Sefhare-Ramokgonami legislator, Dorcus Makgato, returned just in time for the primaries as she seeks Parly return. Makgato is facing Deric Ramaano, an entrepreneur who reports tout him as a robust campaigner who will give Makgato team some shake up. He has been making strides in the constituency no wonder he was reportedly courted by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). An intense battle is expected now that Ramaano has refused the UDC free pass and opted for a contest with Makgato.
Mahalapye East: There will be no obvious winner of the party ticket in this constituency when Thebe Setlalekgosi, Timothy Tlhalerwa and Mooketsi Maiketso battle it out for the party ticket. At least the contestants have been granted their wish to try their luck unlike in other constituencies where the party leadership was purely prescriptive taking the party back to the era of the popular the Committee of 18 which chose candidates. Interestingly, these are party diehards who have been in the trenches long enough and are familiar with the party’s primaries otherwise known as Bulela Ditswe.
Mahalapye West:
The BDP leadership has cleared Goabaone Ntapu, Joseph Molefe and Bernard Bolele. From the trio, the real fight for the party ticket will definitely be between the last duo of Molefe and Bolele. In 2012, Bolele won a by-election following the passing on of former vice president, Mompati Merafhe and only to lose the party ticket to Molefe in the 2014 primaries.
The latter would later become the area MP till 2019 when he failed to make it back to Parliament. Both Bolele and Molefe have, however, been out of action for sometime and their situation was compounded by the break up of the BDP in the wider Central District, which also culminated in the formation of the BPF, which complicated party fortunes in the area. Whoever wins the party ticket will have to pick up the pieces and lift the party hope in the area.
Gaborone Central: None of the two politicians vying for the party ticket here is really weak or stronger than the other. Party diehards really know what they want as these are constituents who are more enlightened to make their own informed choices without any form of coercion.
Whilst Bontsi Monare has made a decision to challenge the incumbent legislator, Tumisang Mangwegape-Healy, the former knows fully that it will not be an easy fight.
Gloves are off here as both contestants are youthful and stand a chance to appeal to a constituency that hosts the country’s biggest institution, the University of Botswana (UB) and the Institute of Development Management (IDM), amongst others. The UB is the home of the BDP’s youthful student wing known as GS 26.
The party ticket will not come cheap. It will take real hard work to win the favour of the people. The only unfortunate thing is that one of the aspirant contestants, Odirile Sento, popularly known as Vee Mampeezy, has been vetted out. The popular artist has even taken his frustrations to social media and some of his followers have even suggested that he should run as an independent candidate. The party will have to deal with this development to quell tempers that might affect its fortunes as it goes into the 13th General Election.
Gaborone North: The party primaries have become a crowded affair with seven contestants vying for the party ticket. This is an area in which the incumbent MP, Mpho Balopi, has indicated that he is not available for re-election. Haskins Nkaigwa and Phillip Makgalemele are former legislators who have been to Parliament before and have been in the trenches and they know what it really entails to amass the requisite numbers. We, however, recognise the reality that primaries are not won through history but hard work. It may not come as a surprise if businessperson-cum motivational speaker Boitshepo Bolele, councillor Seikisi Manyepedza, real estate practitioner, Tony Ndebele, Michael Dignash Morapedi the comedian-cum broadcaster and Rebaone Seema also stand a chance to pull a surprise.
Crowded as the race might be, there will only be one winner, after all. The constituency is definitely spoiled for choice but as they say, too many cooks spoil the broth; there could be complications in the primaries. But, experience, however, has the likelihood to be added advantage in a race of this nature. But take nothing away from anyone amongst the seven contestants. It is most likely going to be a close call.
Gaborone South: The BDP CC might have spoiled this race by vetting out some strong potential contestants and newcomers like Kesego Okie, a communications entrepreneur and another potential candidate Dintlefatso Pilane in a move that is reminiscent with eliminating strong candidates and narrowing the battle to only two candidates.
It will be the incumbent, Minister Dumizweni Mthimkhulu and his challenger Kagiso Rantswaneng who will battle it out for the party ticket. Mthimkhulu, as a politician of his calibre, would have enjoyed it to face the strongest candidates, as that would definitely provide the requisite test to his strength. He would not be content finding himself facing a weaker ‘candidate’ as that might complicate the BDP race in the general election. The party’s Cabinet minister’s unwritten ‘protectionist policy’ might backfire as the followers of those barred from contesting might back up the considered weaker candidate and outwit the protected species of politicians. People always have a way of dealing with internal party challenges.
Gaborone Bonnington South:
Finally, incumbent MP Christian Greef will face his ‘tormentor’ Alfred Madigele, a nomadic politician who only tasted one term in Parliament as the legislator for the Mmathethe-Molapowabojang constituency before he was ousted. His name was touted for Lobatse constituency after a furore that broke out in Gaborone Bonnington South that Madigela, a medical doctor running a private clinic, was campaigning ahead of the party’s permitted time. There is another candidate, Pelonomi Bantsi, an entrepreneur who will also try his luck in the race for the party ticket. But, a gruelling fight will be between Greef and Madigela. Bulela Ditswe will never be as interesting as it seems it will be here.
Lobatse:
The battle for the party ticket in Lobatse will be most interesting to watch. Three candidates, Elius Rantleru popular for his role at the Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC), Pelotshweu Motlogelwa, who previously was the Botswana Football Association (BFA) first vice president and Lobatse mayor, Jomo Dithebe, will face each other in one of Bulela Ditswe’s most gruelling political fights. From a distance, the campaign for the party ticket here might seem normal and simple but it has its own complications. Sadly, an experienced politician, Sadique Kebonang, has been vetted out at a time when he was expected to make a return to active party politics, as he was previously the MP for Lobatse before the incumbent, Dr Thapelo Matsheka, who is not contesting this time around. Kebonang’s support base might be a determinant factor as to who will win the day here. So many other dynamics might influence the direction of the political battle.
Tlokweng:
In what is a surprise move, former staunch member of the Botswana National Front (BNF), Dr Letshwiti Tutwane, is finally contesting for a parliamentary seat in his home village of Tlokweng under the red colours of the ruling BDP. The BDP is a party the former Media Studies lecturer at the University of Botswana had criticised most of his life but it is water under the bridge for the former Mmegi journalist. He brings a lot of experience in the academia and will be looking to defeat the incumbent MP Thulagano Segokgo. Segokgo is the current Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology and he will be aiming for yet another Bulela Ditswe win. Segokgo’s 2019 victory helped the BDP wrestle the constituency from the opposition, therefore his rivals have a huge task to defeat him. The race will not be a two-horse race between Segokgo and Tutwane but new entrant Lesang Bogatsu will join them.
Gamalete: While initially the Gamalete constituency was expected to pit incumbent MP and Minister for Minerals and Energy, Lefoko Moagi, and former Minister of Wildlife and Tourism, Philda Kereng, in the primaries, the latter withdrew before she was removed from Cabinet. Now Moagi is facing newcomer Dr Derrick Tlhoiwe, a chancellor at DDT College of Medicine.
Tlhoiwe is a public health medicine specialist and is expected to capitalise on Moagi’s denting popularity after his stance in the landmark Balete land case last year. Moagi came under attack after he failed to verify whether or not Kgosi Mosadi Seboko of the Bamalete was telling the truth when she accused President Mokgweetsi Masisi of meddling in the Judiciary. Although Moagi later came out to state that he did not support the move to remove Kgosi Mosadi from the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislator is said to be facing an uphill battle to win back the hearts of his tribe. This makes the race wide open.
Mogoditshane East: This is what could be classified as a new constituency following the division of the Mogoditshane constituency into two by the Delimitation Commission. Peo Tshiamo, Lillian Terena Moremi, Aaron, and ‘Route 4’ Radira are eyeing the candidacy which will see them representing the BDP at this year’s October general election. Moremi is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in training and skills development. ‘Route 4’, a former footballer and sports presenter, had previously shown interest to contest in the constituency in 2018 but later withdrew. Radira has served in the Mogoditshane branch committee as secretary. There are no incumbent MPs in this one so it will be quite interesting how it will pan out.
Mogoditshane West:
In the west where incumbent Mogoditshane legislator Tumiso Rakgare is contesting, the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture is facing four opponents. There is Bakang Matlho who is the current Nkoyaphiri Central councillor and was last year elected as the deputy chairperson of the newly established Mogoditshane/Thamaga District Council. Another challenger is Sethukani Gabanakgosi who contested and lost the BDP Women’s Wing chairperson position to finance Minister Peggy Serame in 2022. Gabanakgosi is trying her luck in Mogoditshane as she seeks to increase women representation in Parliament. She is a well-known party diehard and foot soldier. Other challengers are Christopher Letsatle and Oteng Mpudu. As for Rakgare, the MP is said to have lost the grip of the structures after winning the 2019 General Election. Rakgare won the 2018 Bulela Ditswe following the suspension of then candidate Tshepang Mabaila. Rakgare, who was recruited from the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), beat former minister and area MP, Patrick Masimolole. With Mogoditshane divided into two, the belief is that Rakgare has fewer challenges as he seeks to defend his position. In this case, anything can happen and anyone can win and that is the nature of Bulela Ditswe.
Gabane-Mmankgodi:
The MP for the area Kagiso Mmusi is only facing one challenger from one unknown Bdongo Ntwayagae. Mmankgodi North councillor, Ofentse Mafoko, who was expected to be Mmusi’s main challenger, was vetted out by the BDP CC. Last year, Mafoko was elected chairperson of the newly established Mogoditshane/Thamaga District Council and is a long time councillor in the area.
Mmusi, a Defence and Security Minister and son of the late former vice president, Peter Mmusi, won the 2018 Bulela Ditswe by emerging victorious with 2, 386 votes followed by Joseph Makati and two others. With Mafoko out of the picture, Mmusi is expected to secure the candidacy despite what could be a surprise move from his only opponent.
Thamaga-Kumakwane:
Since former MP for Thamaga Kumakwane constituency Gladys Kokorwe retired from politics before the 2009 General Election, no one in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has ever managed to win the party primaries popularly known as Buela Ditswe twice in a row.
A BDP stronghold, the Thamaga-Kumakwane constituency in the past has proven to be tough for incumbent MPs as they are always booted out at this stage.
Former Health minister, Dr John Seakgosing, failed to win the primary election he had won in 2009 when Tshenolo Mabeo beat him in 2013 in what was a rematch of the previous primaries.
After serving one term, in the 2018 Bulela Ditswe, Mabeo was beaten by incumbent MP Palelo Motaosane who had served as a councillor for 15 years before setting eyes on the legislative seat.
Following a rigorous vetting process by the ruling party this week, incumbent Motaosane faces a tough task with new challengers seeking to continue the tradition of removing incumbents as early as primaries.
Former director of public affairs at University of Botswana (UB), Mhitshane Reetsang, who is now at the UB Foundation, is also contesting as the only woman in the race.
She has a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry and quasi-governmental agencies. A familiar face in the race is Tiroyaone ‘Tyro’ Lepotokise, a veteran sports broadcaster who had worked for the Department of Broadcasting Services for more than two decades.
A talented football commentator of note, Lepotokise was known for his Saturday show on Radio Botswana called Legae la Metshameko, and has been organising the Thamaga annual festive football tournament for 16 years.
Another BDP candidate for Bulela Ditswe in this constituency is veteran Setshwano Mokgweetsinyana, formerly chief health officer in the Ministry of Health. Just like Lepotokise and Reetsang, not much is known about Mokgweetsinyana in the political circles. The incumbent, Motaosane, a BDP backbencher, is an experienced politician who served as a councillor from 2004-2019. He is believed to be unbeatable when it comes to his ground presence and no one can forget his walk over on Ofentse Khumomotse of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) at the last General Election.
Mmopane-Metsimotlhabe:
The area which combines some areas of the Lentsweletau-Mmopane and Metsimotlhabe will have a new MP no wonder nine aspirants are eyeing a win for the MP candidacy. The candidates in this crowded affair include councillors for different areas in the constituency as well as new faces. The nine are Esther Khumoetsile, Sebego Mogatusi, Peter Rathari, Anderson Mathibe, Moemedi Mokgachane, Tryphinah Syakayuwa, James Lekgetho, Thato Baliki and Matthews Letsholo.
Letlhakeng:
Area MP and BDP chief whip, Liakat Kably, is facing competition from five aspirants in what is also a crowded affair. Candidates who are taking Kably head on are Tshepiso Lesope, Malebogo Malele, Wilfred Mokento, States Banyatsi and Otsenye Tsietso. Before the results of the vetting process, the BDP branch committee for the Letlhakeng constituency made a recommendation to the party’s CC that Kablay should not be allowed to stand for re-election in the upcoming primary elections. It is clear that some in the area want Kablay out of the way and the primaries is just about the perfect platform to do so. It is a complex one for the chief whip and it might be separated by the finest margins.
Takatokwane: In what will be a rematch of the 2018 primaries, MP for Takatokwane, Tshoganetso Leuwe, will lock horns once again with former minister Ngaka Ngaka. Leuwe thrashed Ngaka in 2018 and now the latter will be looking for revenge in what will be an open contest. Here, whoever triumphs will narrowly win the election.
Lentsweletau-Lephephe: Although it has been renamed Lentsweletau-Lephepe, formerly Lentsweletau-Mmopane, is highly competitive especially that incumbent legislator Nnaniki Makwinja is facing rivalry from five other challengers being Obakeng Kgabo, Kenalekgotla Sebolao, Masego Thantshane, Kgopolo Lekuntwane and Legojane Kebaitse. Last time out in 2018, the constituency was competitive when the current Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Makwinja, beat former Infrastructure and Housing Development minister, Vincent Seretse, in a controversial re-run ordered by the Electoral Board. Seretse initially won the primary election, defeating his closest rival, Makwinja, by a 45-vote margin. The Electoral Board ordered a re-run citing numerous alleged irregularities and Seretse consequently lost to Makwinja by 930 votes. Makwinja, who like other BDP ministers has reportedly lost grip of the structures and will be facing a tough challenge to fend off blows from rivals. Constituents’ fulfilled and unfulfilled 2019 promises will also weigh heavily in determining whether Makwinja makes the cut.
Moshupa-Manyana: In President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s former constituency, which is now under Entrepreneurship minister Karabo Gare, four new aspirants have shown interest and will be aiming to oust Gare. The candidates are Malaki Sebetlela, Benny Stegling, Kebaneetse Force and Masego Mopai. Gare enjoys backing from the President and it is an added advantage. While expectation is that Gare will triumph easily, the new candidates could give him a run for his money. In 2018, Gare defeated one Stephen Kganela by garnering 4, 953 votes against the latter’s 798 in what was a clear whitewash. There are no indications from the constituency that Gare could struggle, therefore he is one of the people whose path to victory remains clear.
Goodhope-Mmathethe: There are four opponents in this new constituency namely Kopo Mononi, Peggy Serame, Dr Edwin Dikoloti and Ogone Gaboutloeloe. But, without taking anything away from other opponents, the real race is between Finance minister Serame who has the support of President Masisi and Dikoloti who has more ground advantage.
This has been one of the most talked about contests even before the vetting process was completed.
The two Cabinet colleagues found themselves in opposing camps following the merger of Goodhope-Mabule and Mmathethe-Molapowabojang constituencies after the delimitation exercise. About 70% of Dikoloti’s Mmathethe-Molapowabojang constituency has merged with Goodhope-Mabule so indication is that the Health minister still has advantage. Ethnic allegiance also seems to be a major card in this battle of ministers because Dikoloti has a stronghold in Bangwaketse territories, while Serame is more favoured by her own people in the Barolong villages.
Kanye East:
Formerly Kanye North, now Kanye East is never short of fireworks and more is expected as incumbent Thapelo Letsholo faces tough competition from former area MP Kentse Rammidi and Thamiso Chabalala in a constituency which is wide open for the trio. In the 2018 Buela Ditswe, Letsholo, then political newcomer, ended the political career of then Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Patrick Ralotsia, in what was a surprise win. Five years later, dynamics have changed for Letsholo who has never received the Domi welcome and has been a backbencher in Masisi’s administration. Rammidi is a veteran, former minister and needs no introduction while Chabalala is a councillor for Mafhikana ward in Kanye. Whoever wins this one will have a tougher path to victory.
Kanye West: Kanye South, which has been renamed to Kanye West, is under incumbent Dr Lemogang Kwape, who is one of Masisi’s trusted lieutenants, and it is no surprise that he has no challenger. Kwape is the current Foreign Affairs minister and he previously served as the Minister of Health when the COVID-19 pandemic wrecked havoc in the world in 2020. Kwape is one of the ministers who are doing well so his candidacy is secured for October polls.
Jwaneng-Mabutsane: The defection of incumbent MP Mephato Reatile to the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) has left the race wide open for the BDP members who want to represent their party in October. The primaries in Jwaneng-Mabutsane have attracted six candidates to contest for the BDP primaries. All the candidates are not relatively big names so an intense contest is expected since there is no one making a comeback from the 2018 Bulela Ditswe. The aspirants are John Motsumi, Olga Ditsie, Abram Molatole, Celcious Rambe, Poloko Mokwaise, and Kebabonye Kewagamang.
Molepolole South: Embroiled in controversy from the onset, constituents often wondered how this one was going to end. Councillor Jeffrey Sibisibi was vetted out by the CC leaving his rival Kabo Morwaeng and area MP unopposed. Before the results of the vetting process, a bitter rivalry had ensued between Morwaeng and Sibisibi and at some point the Minister for State President made a complaint to the BDP CC alleging that Sibisibi was defying the party rules and regulations by engaging in early campaigns before the writ of the primaries was issued.
It is not yet known if Morwaeng’s complaints are eventually what led to the end of Sibisibi’s dreams but for now the minister will be walking all the way to the polls alone. Morwaeng’s unopposed position could backfire and this could play heavily on voters’ minds in the General Election but that is a topic for another day. However, at the moment, Morwaeng has no Bulela Ditswe to worry about.
Molepolole North: Incumbent MP Oabile Regoeng will renew his rivalry with Bashi Kgakge, Kabo Sebele and Phetso Kgosiemang in what will be another tough race race. In 2018 Regoeng won the candidature convincingly. Then, Regoeng faced two other candidates but this time around the contest seemed to be an encore of the 2019 round. Regoeng convincingly beat his opponents but it does not mean that Regoeng will effortlessly walk over the trio if he were to win.
Gantsi: This constituency, which was called Gantsi North, will also bring back another rivalry between incumbent Johane Thiite and long-time Bulela Ditswe aspirant in Gantsi, Gregory Losibe. Losibe, a former BTV presenter, is an unrelenting aspirant who has lost consecutive primaries and he is back again this year. It will be very tight this time around because Thiite beat Losibe with a margin of just 21 votes in 2018. There is a new entrant, Keletso Ramoswaana, in the race for the candidature and this competition may come down to a knife-edge.
Kgalagadi South: Kgalagadi South MP Sam Brooks and Chabanga Chabanga will also face off again in the primaries as the latter seeks to unseat an incumbent. Last time when Brooks defeated then incumbent MP Frans van der Westhuizen, there was fierce competition and the same could happen in the race this year. New entrant Diana Kartze joins Brooks and Chabanga. There are a lot of factors in the constituency and could tilt the race one-way or the other.
Kgalagadi North: Talita Monnakgotla is the incumbent MP and she is now seeking to defend her candidature when she faces competition from new entrants Justice Gaeonale and Moatlhodi Mahupu. While Monnakgotla could possible fend off competition from the duo, Bulela Ditswe has previously proven to be hard for incumbents, especially ministers. Monnakgotla is the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. Remember, Monnakgotla beat former Assistant Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services, Itumeleng Moipisi, last time out so one of the new entrants could pull a surprise.
Charleshill Gantsi South, now renamed to Charleshill, is currently in the opposition and the BDP members in the area will be looking to put a candidate who will be strong enough to put up a fight in October. The 2019 BDP candidate in the area, Thato Tshweneyagae, returns to face Magetsi Modisane and Leitsang Keakopa in the primaries. There is a neck-and-neck aspect in this race, which means that anyone can win it.
Maun North:
It is a new constituency, with its unique geographical make-up and it presents a set of specific challenges. The delta origins, with its distinct ecological and socio-economic issues, will require tailored approach from any elected representative. In this area, three will battle it out at the primary elections and whoever wins will contest for the General Election. Thato Elias is a popular pastor and owns the largest congregation in Maun. Elias is originally from Palapye but he has been in Maun for a very long time. He is known in the area mostly for his pastoral work than politics. Currently, he has a good working relationship with people of that area. Then there is Gakenosi Mpho, who was the region secretary for North West before resigning to express interest to contest for party ticket in the Maun North constituency. Mpho is well known in the BDP circle as he has been campaigning for Reaboka Mbulawa who in the previous election had contested the Maun East constituency. He is not new in the game though it is his first time contesting for elections.
Ronnie Ridge is the former MP for the Maun West constituency and he is not new in this game of contesting for primaries. Even though the area is new, it has wards that are originally from the Maun West constituency.
Maun East: In the midst of the primary election process, the BDP finds itself in a quandary over the Maun East constituency. The party is attempting to identify a ‘compromise candidate’ who can appease the various interests and factions within the area. Their delay in releasing a candidate list for this constituency suggests that the party is still grappling with internal divisions or considering various options. But there is a name that is being bandied about of a serving officer in one of the companies in the private sector, who is trusted by the party elders. He is most likely to be endorsed. There is a danger in taking that route considering the past backlash that had also cost the party a fortune.
Maun West:
As for Maun West, only two will battle it out for primary election. Henda Uananisa is a lecturer at UB in the department of mechanical engineering, a former chairperson of Mbanderu Youth Association of Botswana and also a member of the BDP strategic committee. Even though Uananisa is new in the game of contesting and canvassing, he will not be a pushover. Thato Kwerepe is an experienced politician both within the party and in the game of elections. Kwerepe is the former party secretary-general and also a former MP. He has experience in contesting for Bulela Ditswe and how to canvass for elections. Bulela Ditswe does not seem only content with history but it takes a hard working politician to win the primaries.
Ngami: Three candidates will battle it out for the party ticket here after the party approved their candidacy. Mpeisang Tuyereke, a former councillor for Etsha 6, has now elevated to try his luck in the race for the MP ticket.
Lelejwang Sokwe is the councillor for Qangwa/Xaxa ward in the same area. He is not new in the game of contesting for Bulela-Ditswe. Vying for an MP ticket is a mammoth task compared to the race for the council ticket given the vastness of Ngami constituency. Kavis Kario is the current party secretary-general, the engine of the party secretariat. He is not new to party internal elections as well as General Election as he has been both a councillor and MP before. The party has allowed him to prove himself rather than allowing him to get the party ticket on a silver platter. By far, he is one of the strongest candidates in the entire primaries.
Bobirwa:
Only two aspirants will battle it out for the party ticket here. The battle brings together two sons of the soil, Leonard Marumo and Francisco Kgoboko in a battle that will definitely produce one winner at the end of the day.
Both politicians have seemingly done their homework and will go into the primaries only to finalise the campaigns that have been done stealthily to avoid offending the party rules of Bulela Ditswe. It is a do-or-die for the duo and there will be no love lost at the end of a grueling combat.
Serowe North:
Ogaketse Mathware is a veteran in the political game and has been having the zeal to represent the party in the General Election but he has been losing during Bulela Ditswe. The dynamics in Serowe politics have, however, changed but it does not seem that was reasonable enough to attract more people to contest for the party ticket. He is unopposed because really, there is no motivation to contest here because the opposition Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) seems to be deeply ingrained here since the 2019 polls.
Serowe South:
Lesedi Phuthego is not new in the political game as he had won party primaries in 2019 General Election but lost to opposition party, the BPF, in 2019. Here, attaining the party ticket and contesting the elections is akin to honouring the fixtures. Phuthego is keen to try his luck no matter what. Another contestant is Patrick Kebailele, who is also not new to BDP politics. The fight goes on.
Serowe West:
The area is known as the Khama’s constituency or kgosing area. Former president Ian Khama and his brother Tshekedi, contested in it and won with ease. Foster Seretse is a loner in the BDP primaries as there is no motivation even here to get the BDP ticket knowing that the results will be otherwise. Seretse, who fell out with his cousins, is ready to take his former party, the BPF, head on. He can also predict the results of the parliamentary elections here with precision and also probably honouring the fixtures.
Kgatleng West:
Those who have been cleared to contest here include Dr Ramonaka Ruele, Daniel Molokwe, Gregory Mfazi, Lebotse Molefi and Omphemetse Sebina. It is a crowded affair but the party requires only a single candidate for the 2024 General Election, just as democracy dictates. It is a race that might end up with the party divided as the majority of the candidates are not really grounded but are driven by the desire to lift the party ticket. Anyone of the quartet can win the party ticket.
Kgatleng Central: This is a new constituency in the Kgatleng area and it is basically Mochudi constituency. Those who are contesting for the area in the BDP primaries include MP Mmusi Kgafela, Otsile Maje and Shangano Kubanji.
Kgafela is the current MP for Kgatleng West but relocated to the Central area when a new constituency was formed. In all fairness, Kgafela has comparative advantage over his challengers as he wears many hats. He is an attorney, State minister and a chief in that area.
However, this is Bulela Ditswe where the contestants will not bow their heads and worship anyone. It is man for himself or herself. Moje is a businessman-cum politician and has taken a decision to give Kgafela a run for his money. Kubanji, a farmer and entrepreneur does not want to leave anything to chance but has thrown his hat into the ring in the hunt for the party ticket. He knows nothing will come easy.
Kgatleng East: The upcoming BDP primary elections in Kgatleng East are set to feature a highly anticipated battle between cousins, the incumbent Mabuse Pule and Edward Pule. Edward previously led Mabuse’s campaigns until the time he decided to try his luck in the race for the party ticket. It will not be easy for the incumbent, who has a mammoth task ahead to retain the favour of the people. A new entrant is one Lucas Kgosi, who could give the cousins a tough task. This contest was originally expected to include a fourth contender, Modise Ncube, but his disqualification has changed the complexion of the race. The fate of Ncube’s supporters could prove to be a pivotal factor in the Kgatleng East primary election. One from the trio stands to benefit from the support base of Ncube.
Francistown South: Nominated councillor Modiri Lucas will face former Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng, Boitumelo Mageba and former MP Khumongwana Maoto, in a bid to secure candidacy at the next General Election. The former sports administrator, Reikeletseng, has been frequenting Francistown South for over a year in a bid to enrich his campaigns. On the other hand, Lucas has also been aggressively campaigning in the constituency. ‘Jojo’ as Lucas is affectionately known, represented the ruling party in the constituency at the last polls and lost to the incumbent Alliance for Progressive MP, Wynter Mmolotsi. Battle hardened Maoto has also been vetted in. Maoto is a former Francistown South legislator and until recently was in the executive committee of the ruling party’s Francistown region. Little is known about Mageba in the political circles, but sources say he is well resourced and grounded. He is said to be in the construction industry where he is genuinely thriving.
Francistown East:
Incumbent MP and Assistant Minister of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture, Buti Billy, will slug it out with current Francistown mayor Godisang Radisigo. Radisigo, who is also a councillor at Satellite ward and is considered Billy’s political protégé, has long made his intention to contest Francistown East primaries. This will inevitably be a very interesting and close battle because the two politicians have worked together closely in the past and understand each other’s strengths and weakness.
Selebi-Phikwe West: Specially Elected MP, Beauty Manake, and retired educationist, Opelo Makhandela, will slug it out for the party ticket in what promises all the fireworks. Both candidates have what it takes to lift the party ticket as they are familiar with the territory. The constituency is quite open and friendly with the winner having a task of mainly convincing the party diehards why him or her. It may go either way.
Tonota: Tonota District Council chairperson and nominated councilor, Baemedi Medupi, has been vetted out. The BDP’s decision to bar Medupi from contesting the primaries came as a shock to many amid reports that he might have fallen out with the leadership. The decision of the party CC to throw Medupe out might come at a cost to the party as together with his followers, Medupe is still aggrieved and anything can be possible. On the other side, former BDP National Youth Executive Committee (NYEC) chairperson, Andy Boatile, has been vetted in. Boatile is also a councilor in Tonota. He will slug it out with entrepreneur-cum educationist, Tapela Setshege. Setshege first contested the BDP parliamentary primaries in Tonota in 2018 but lost to the then incumbent, Thapelo Olopeng. This is a fight that has potential to go either way as both candidates have the wherewithal to win the party ticket.
Nata-Gweta:
The incumbent, Polson Majaga is expected to face businessman-cum politician Mompati Seitiso, veteran politician Oliphant Mfa who is the former area legislator, Mbanga Mbanga, Montshiwa Montshiwa and Dr Benjamin Radihepi. Radihepi is an animal veterinary practitioner, who is said to be President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s blue-eyed boy. Radihepi is relatively new in politics according to sources in the BDP. Mbanga is well known in the constituency. He is a former councillor in the area. He tried his luck at the BDP parliamentary primaries to book candidacy for the 2019 General Election in Nata/Gweta but lost to Majaga. Little is known about Seitiso’s political career or activism, but various sources claim that he has been working hard in the constituency for some time.
He is said to be running a security business amongst others. As for Montshiwa, sources in the Nata/Gweta constituency have disclosed that he left the civil service where he had a decorated career, not so long ago. His last assignment in the civil service was as a national coordinator; poverty eradication programme.
Francistown West:
Businessman-cum politician Gregory Kealotswe has been vetted in to contest in Francistown West. Kealotswe lost the BDP primary elections in 2018 against Ignatius Moswaane ahead of the 2019 General Election. That was before the latter defected to the opposition. Another familiar face, Raoboy Mpuang, has been given the nod to contest the primaries in the constituency. Mpuang, a former BDP councillor for Monarch East and Kealotswe, have been running low-key campaigns in the constituency over the last two years.
Shashe-West:
Fidelis Molao, the incumbent legislator has been given the whole space to himself without a challenge. His habitual challenger, Onkabetse Daniel has relocated to the neighbouring Nkange constituency. His campaign is directly for the General Election now, as he is not worried by the primaries. As one of the longest serving MPs now, he has finally received approval from the constituency. Kudos to the Minister of Agriculture.
Nkange:
Daniel, who relocated from Shashe West, has long been trying his luck against Molao without success and there will be no better time for him than now. He faces tough contest from former civil servant and tender-preneur Sylvester Sitale, Bakani Thukuthe formerly civil servant and Thamani Modie, an educationist. This will not be an easy contest given the calibre of candidates. The party ticket can be lifted by anyone. Experience in contested party positions will be an added advantage.
Mmadinare:
An interesting three-horse race pits three home boys who are determined to fight with anything at their disposal to lift the crucial BDP ticket. Molebatsi Molebatsi, who won the party ticket for 2019 General Election and finally won the constituency, faces a tough one this time around as his nemesis, another substantive Minister Kefentse Mzwinila is breathing fire on his neck with the view to ousting him. Another challenger is business consultant, Barulaganye Mogotsi, has thrown his hat into the ring. He is not new to BDP politics and even in Mmadinare, to be specific. The three candidates have equal opportunities and anyone’s win will not come as a surprise. The calibre of the trio, make Mmadinare one of the most competitive races in the BDP Bulela Ditswe 2024.
Okavango West:
Okavango has been divided into constituencies so in the west, the battle will be between Sekwaya Pikini and Akim Setswalo. Setswalo is known for his strong business acumen and has been in the tourism industry for years. It is also claimed that he has been using his recent charitable activities in the constituency as a strategy to position himself for the primaries. The race will ultimately find a winner.
Okavango East:
In Okavango East, the battle is between Cameron Dina and the former Minister of Education, Bagalatia Arone. Arone is an experienced politician and is a former MP in Okavango. He lost the Okavango constituency to the opposition in 2019 General Election. Since then he has made a number of u-turns including a brief stint at the BPF before returning to the BDP. He will face philanthropist and businessperson, Dina. For sometime, Dina has been donating to various organisations such as schools in the constituency. Some have linked the donations to his political aspirations. He reportedly owns several Safari businesses in the Okavango area.
Tati East:
Politician-cum entrepreneur Shawn Sebele is another well-known face that will contest the primaries against incumbent Dr Douglas Letsholathebe. Sebele is also a former secretary for the ruling party’s Francistown region. He previously lost the BDP primaries to Guma Moyo in 2018. Moyo would then be expelled from the ruling party warranting another round of primaries. Sebele went on to lose against Letsholathebe at the second edition of the primaries. The fight for the party ticket will bring memories of the last polls and the best-prepared candidate will win this one.
Tati West:
In Tati West, incumbent Simon Moabi will slug it out with Gosego Mmolawa. The most intriguing dynamic is that Mmolawa is the daughter of staunch opposition activist Theresa Mmolawa of the Alliance for Progressives (AP). She is a well-known BDP activist in Tati East. She attempted a Houdini act when she contested for the BDP Women’s Wing elections more than two years ago and brutally lost to Peggy Serame.
Retired Colonel Mbakiso Mukokomani has also been granted permission to contest the BDP primaries. He joined the BDP upon retirement a few years ago and has been a prolific feature in constituency activities. There is nothing obvious in this race, but the incumbent at the end of the day has comparative advantage.
Chobe:
Incumbent MP Ronald Shamukuni will face longtime rival Luckson Likokoto, whom he defeated at the 2018 primaries to secure candidacy for the 2019 General Election. Likokoto is an active community member in the Chobe community and has been supporting various community-building initiatives even before his participation in active politics. Before venturing into business, Likokoto worked in the civil service as Chobe regional labour officer. Paul Matshelane Chabaesele who was at one point very close to Shamukuni, is also among the ruling party primary election candidates.
He is currently a nominated councillor in the District. Chabaesele’s leadership record in Chobe is also relatively impeccable. He served as the chairperson of Chobe District Council after the 2014 general elections. Elections being elections, they have no respect for anyone. It only takes hard work to show one’s prowess.
Selebi-Phikwe East:
Leonard Mojuta has been trying his luck in this constituency that is open to anyone of the trio contesting. This time he (Mojuta) faces a challenge from Lucas Modimana and Simon Senkhu. What makes this race even more arduous is that Mojuta will be fighting like a wounded buffalo whilst his challengers also wish to win the party ticket. At the end of the day, there will only be one winner.