Curtain falls on Kgalagadi South politicking
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday November 14, 2025 11:04
The moment of truth is drawing near for all contesting parties, each hoping to test its strength and reclaim or retain ground in one of the country’s most unpredictable political landscapes.
With campaign rallies winding up and voters preparing to cast their ballots, the mood on the ground has shifted from excitement to anxiety. The question on everyone’s mind is clear: who will emerge victorious in this hotly contested race? Traditionally, Kgalagadi South has never been an easy constituency to predict. It has a long history of alternating its political loyalties, rarely voting for the same party twice in a row unless the incumbent has earned the people’s confidence through tangible representation.
This dynamic has kept both major parties, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) on their toes, forcing them to consistently reconnect with voters and defend their track records. The upcoming by-election, triggered by the passing of former UDC Member of Parliament Dr. Micus Chimbombi. In the last General eEection, the UDC secured victory via 8,700 votes, followed by the BDP’s 6,070, while the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) finished a distant third with 1,074.
Despite the UDC’s triumph, the late Dr. Chimbombi’s short five-month tenure left many residents feeling that they had not seen enough to fully judge the party’s performance. This has created a rare sense of uncertainty, as voters debate whether to give the UDC another chance or return to the familiarity of the BDP, which has historically dominated the region.
The by-election has also attracted new contenders who may complicate the traditional two-horse race. The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has returned to the ballot after a long absence from the constituency. Its candidate, Tshepang Brooks, is a figure of interest not only because of the party’s comeback but also because of his political roots. Brooks comes from the Alliance for Progressives (AP), an affiliate of the UDC.
His candidacy has sparked speculation that he could draw votes from both UDC and BDP supporters, particularly amongst younger voters and those disillusioned by the frequent shifts in party alliances. Brooks’ campaign has focused on the need for renewal and genuine representation, emphasising that the people of Kgalagadi South deserve leaders who will serve their interests rather than their party’s internal agendas. Adding to the mix is independent candidate Kaveri Kapeko, a former magistrate and a familiar figure in local circles. Kapeko’s personal reputation for fairness and integrity has earned him some respect among older voters, and his family’s connection to a former Member of Parliament adds a nostalgic touch to his campaign. However, despite being well-known, there is a general belief that his impact may be limited. Many residents view independent candidates as unlikely to win in a race dominated by established party machinery and deep-rooted loyalties. Meanwhile, the Botswana Patriotic Front’s candidate, Phenyo Sedimonyane, faces an uphill battle. Internal divisions within the BPF have weakened its national and local structures, limiting the party’s ability to campaign effectively.
Some residents believe the BPF’s chances are minimal, as its message has failed to gain significant traction on the ground. While the party’s presence adds diversity to the contest, it is unlikely to alter the overall dynamics in a significant way. That leaves the stage primarily to the UDC and the BDP, the two heavyweights whose rivalry defines Kgalagadi South politics.
The BDP’s candidate, Diana Kaartze, is expected to give the UDC a serious challenge. Her campaign has emphasised continuity, stability, and development, values that the BDP has long used to appeal to rural constituencies.
For the UDC, the stakes are high. Losing this seat would not only be a symbolic blow but could also signal shifting voter sentiments in an area previously considered friendly territory. UDC is represented by Tokyo Modise, who is also a former teacher. He is described as a humble man and is known for his contribution to the community.
The party’s leadership has invested heavily in the campaign, sending senior figures to rally support and remind voters of their shared history with the Botswana National Front (BNF), an affiliate of the UDC that once dominated the constituency.
As the campaign draws to a close, residents of Kgalagadi South find themselves at a crossroads. On one hand, there is a desire for change and fresh energy; on the other, a yearning for stability and experience. Conversations in villages and cattle posts reflect a divided electorate. Some young voters express frustration with party politics altogether, saying that leaders have too often made promises that vanish after elections. Others remain loyal to the parties they’ve supported for decades, viewing politics through the lens of family tradition and community allegiance.
Kaartze
As for the BDP, its executive secretary Ame Makoba said what will make them win the area is that since the UDC victory, the ruling party has not been present in the constituency. “They abandoned it. In fact, they only came back following the current campaigns with an army of ministers and MPs from other constituencies. The 2024 BDP losing candidate, however, has been working with the community even after the 2024 loss. Through her charity organisation, the Annabelle trust Fund, she has been contributing to the economic and social welfare of the constituents,” Makoba said.
Furthermore, he said their candidate recently sponsored the celebration of Polka and Namastap, which was graced by former president Ian Khama.
He said their candidate has a deep affection for the constituents, even though she is not their elected representative. “She continues to serve them selflessly as she has done for many years,” he revealed. When it comes to advocacy, he said Kaartze has proven that she is head and shoulders above all the other candidates.
He said Kaartze knows the issues of Kgalagadi South, such as unemployment, reduction of Ipelegeng personnel by the current government, and poverty; she knows them well because she lives amongst the people. Being a caring woman also gives her an edge.
“Amongst all the candidates, she is the difference. She is the fairest of them. She offers the constituency the first opportunity at having a woman Member of Parliament,” she said.
Brooks
The BCP secretary-general, Goretetse Kekgonegile, said they believe Brooks must win the weekend polls because he is young and has long-term capacity of representation. “He is a professional who has worked in the constituency as a Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) officer and Land Board member, and also in the constituency, as witnessed in his impressive debates of identifying challenges and solutions thereof,” he said.
He added that their candidate is energetic, as seen in his canvassing of the constituency in a short period compared to his opponents, who have been in the field longer than him. In addition, he said Brooks is down to earth and very comfortable being with the downtrodden and marginalised which makes him a quality representative.
Modise
The BNF chairperson, Moses Bantsi, said Modise is a mature political figure and an admirable administrator, a man of the people who is always present within the constituency. “He is an educator and a disciplined cadre of the UDC who grew up in the Botswana National Front. His family homestead was a political classroom with occasional debates about current affairs, the reactionary BDP, the education system, capitalism, socialism, and communism, and how they affect the people. He reminisces about how his family homestead was like a political library,” he said. He said their candidate knows the problems of the constituency.
Sedimonyane
He believes that the constituents believe in him as they had asked him to contest. “I believe I stand a good chance since some voters from different political parties have promised me their votes. I have never abandoned the constituents even after losing the elections. I stood with them during the good and bad times. Again, I have worked the ground. BPF, unlike other parties, has not denied anyone to compete for the primary elections,” he said.
However, an independent candidate, Kapeko, said he is busy with the campaigns and would not comment. “It is tough because I have to pay for everything unlike those who are assisted by their political parties. I am from this constituency and I am well known unlike others. I had played a major role here and I know the constituency’s problems. That’s all I can say. I do stand a chance like anyone,” he said.