Dikoloti’s mokoko escapade
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe - Spira Tlhankane | Wednesday October 2, 2024 08:57
Dikoloti has ended speculation about his political future when he finally acceded to calls to go as an independent. He will, therefore, not be part of the BDP candidates in next month’s polls. He will be contesting as an independent candidate after duly registering with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as an independent candidate or mokoko in the vernacular going by the symbol, ‘Wena Beula’, having chosen the colours brown, black and white as his colours. The man, who entered the 12th Parliament at the age of 37 in the 2019 General Election, is a popular figure in the merged constituency and information gathered by the Mmegi team reveals that supporters of Dikoloti are actively defending his political career, canvassing the area to gather public opinions on how the Minister of Health should proceed.
In a letter authored by the IEC Secretary, Jeff Siamisang he wrote: “The application in which you submitted the symbol below for consideration to use as an independent candidate during the 2024 General Election as a parliamentary candidate for Goodhope-Mmathethe constituency has been approved.”
His loyalists had a tough time advising him, as they had to present a report reflecting the people’s desires. They did not want Dikoloti persuaded let alone pressured hence why they had to do a thorough research. Since Dikoloti was withdrawn as a candidate for the Goodhope-Mmathethe constituency, he had remained silent on the matter. Those close to him reveal that he feels favouritism influenced the candidate selection. At first, both Dikoloti and former contender, being Minister of Finance, Peggy Serame, were expecting a re-run in the area. This came after Serame lost to Dikoloti during party primary elections in July.
Before Dikoloti’s suspension, his supporters feared that even if he forgave the party leadership, the latter will continue to find faults in him and distrust him, a thing which eventually happened. To make matters worse, they believe the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been undermining him using unscrupulous social media channels. The loyalists feel that the BDP no longer supported Dikoloti and that he should not force his way back into the party’s good books. “It’s clear even to a blind person. If people don’t want you, it’s better to leave before they end up accusing you of something worse. The party has failed to protect him, and unity won’t work here. After the elections, they’ll show him their true colours. He needs to take a stand, and as his supporters, we want him to move on,” said one loyalist.
Dikoloti’s loyalists finally convinced their man to run as an independent candidate. According to them, his decision was influenced by a report compiled by the constituents, which includes recommendations based on public opinion. The loyalists explained that the purpose of the report was to assist Dikoloti in making informed decisions, as they believe his current stress levels are clouding his judgement. Additionally, they revealed that various opposition parties have approached Dikoloti, inviting him to join their ranks, but he has consistently refused. Opposition options for Dikoloti in the area include the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which has Geoffrey Seleka as their candidate. Reports from the area indicate that the UDC is willing to drop Seleka and replace him with Dikoloti who seems like a stronger candidate following the recent change of dynamics at the BDP.
The Botswana National Front (BNF), a UDC affiliate, has a strong presence in the area. They previously held the constituency between 2014 and 2019, represented first by James Mathokgwane and later by Kgosi Lotlamoreng II. Another option is the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), which is particularly not strong in the constituency.
They have, however, appointed Lesego Gatogang but are willing to drop him if Dikoloti agrees to run for the seat. Lastly, it is the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) which recently announced former Mass Media boss, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo, as their candidate. The BPF, which does not have any structures in the constituency, revealed this week that it is courting Dikoloti to join their ranks.
Now that his suspension at the BDP will run until after the election, the option which many have recommended is for the man to run as an independent candidate popularly known as mokoko in the local vernacular, which he has finally acceded to. Conversely, history has shown the difficulties of winning an MP seat as an independent candidate. It is, however, possible as former Lobatse MP, Nehemiah Modubule, won the 2009 General Election as an independent candidate, the only man in history to have ever achieved that feat. It is worth noting that Lobatse is Goodhope-Mmathethe’s neighbouring constituency. Loyalists believe that Dikoloti can pull this off because he boasts support both from the Ngwaketse and Barolong areas.