Keorapetse’s committed dance with power
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday May 13, 2024 06:04
Macbeth, is a brave and loyal Scottish general. Throughout the play, Shakespeare skillfully portrays Macbeth’s inner conflict and struggle with mortality, while also exploring the themes of fate, loyalty and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
This is one of the challenges that Keorapetse had to face in 2022 when his old party, the Botswana Congress Party, decided to quit the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition.
Like Macbeth, Keorapetse began his political career at a young age, cultivating his ambition and sharpening his skills within the ranks of BCP.
His political ambition started during his time as a youth when he contested the BCP youth league presidency and won, then stood for party publicity position, which he also won and that motivated him to contest for a parliamentary seat for Selebi-Phikwe West constituency, which he did win till today.
Keorapetse will be seeking his third term in the office this year. The position that made him more popular within the BCP, is when he became a party spokesperson and also being the party president’s right-hand man, which he used to cement his popularity within the party, mirrors Macbeth’s promotion to the rank of Thane of Cawdor.
However, Keorapetse, a young and ambitious politician, like Macbeth, finds himself at a crucial moment in his political career. His sudden decision to get involved with the UDC made him a pawn in the coalition’s political chess game.
The fact that he would be contesting against his former party, has, however, thrown the political landscape into disarray, leaving many wondering about his motives and ambitions. His actions, much like those of Macbeth, are difficult to predict, as they seem to be driven by an insatiable thirst for power.
However, one thing that remains consistent through Keorapetse’s political journey, is his unwavering loyalty to the party president he supports, much like Macbeth’s fealty to King Duncan. In the UDC, there is no doubt that Keorapetse is the right-hand man of the UDC president Duma Boko. That happened when Keorapetse changed his allegiance and defected to the UDC where he will be contesting under their symbol again in this year’s election.
Despite the challenging circumstances created by his decision to stand against the BCP, Keorapetse’s strong rapport with his constituents and his track record of service and dedication may prove to be the deciding factor in the upcoming election.
If he is successful in this endeavour, it will be a clear indicator of his status as a political force to be reckoned with, whose personal charisma and dedication can win over voters even in the face of formidable opposition.
His relentless and tenacity spirit defines him as a politician who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
Despite the odds stacked against him, whether it be his party’s relative weakness in the region or the opposition he faces, he is determined to succeed.
This determination and willingness to face adversity are hallmarks of his character, qualities that will earn him the support he needs to prevail.
Some of the issues that he talked about in Parliament for Selebi-Phikwe West included the re-opening of the BCL Mine, unemployment that has hit the town after the closure of the BCL Mine, and other things that he could debate including the Botswana Defence Force Bill, the Botswana Police amendment Bill, the Affiliation Proceedings Bill, the Media Practitioners Act (repeal), amongst others.
He also became a fan of people when he proposed the banning of the importation of school uniforms, corporate wear, and PPEs from outside to promote textile manufacturing in Selebi-Phikwe and the government did respond to his plea. He also proposed the abolishment of the pink tax, and the government responded by removing it from sanitary pads and related products.
Keorapetse’s main contenders in the General Election include BCP candidates. His view is that he has represented people and Batswana with honour and distinction during the 11th and 12th Parliament.
He believes he raised issues that directly affect the people and all arguments have been backed by empirical evidence and or data and that he had stood with his constituents under the most difficult circumstances when their livelihoods were not easy.
Keorapetse has not relented on seeking justice for them and how jobs can be created in Selebi-Phikwe through a revamped economy.
However, the party that Keorapetse will be contesting under is not strong in the area compared to his previous one. Apart from cooperating with the BCP, the case studies show that the UDC has not had good numbers in Selebi-Phikwe.
Reuben Kaizer
Apart from Keorapetse, the BCP has been having a strong base in that area, which makes its candidate to have a better chance. The BCP members are normally loyal people when it comes to their party and also Kaizer is known to be a hard worker. When Keorapetse is busy with Parliament duties, Kaizer and his supporters do have ample time to campaign.
Manake and Makhandlela
Another strong challenge that Keorapetse will face is from the ruling party, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which is yet to go to the primary elections. Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Beauty Manake, will compete against retired educationist and former winner of the BDP ticket in the 2019 General Election, Opelo Makhandela.
Committees that Keorapetse served under for both political office and Parliament;
Current ones lMember of Inter Parliamentary Union and member of the Governing Council
l Member of SADC Parliamentary Forum and vice chairman of trade, industry, finance and investment committee SADC parliamentary Forum
l Member of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and 2nd Vice President Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Botswana branch);
l Member of the Climate Parliament
Political leadershipVice president of BCP Youth League (2011–2012)
President Youth League 2012–2015
Spokesperson 2015–2021
Secretary political education 2021–2022
He has a BA in political science and public administration, a Master of public administration (University of Botswana) and is also PhD student at the University of Witwatersrand School of Governance, South Africa.
Previously, he served under the following committees, chairperson of Public Accounts Committee, secretary for SADC Parliamentary Forum and vice chairperson of trade, industry, finance and member of Common Wealth.