UDC attributes weekend victory to hard work,trust
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday November 24, 2025 06:00
In an interview on Monday morning, Molome explained that although the campaign trail was challenging, the people of Kgalagadi South remained open to the UDC’s message because they understood that the party is still new in government, having taken power only a year ago. According to him, voters recognised that some of the issues facing the country require time and steady work to resolve. “Many residents had not given up on the UDC and appreciated the government’s attempts to tackle existing obstacles. The party president, Duma Boko, played a crucial role by visiting the area, addressing mini rallies, and engaging directly with individuals who wanted clarity about developments in government,” he said. These interactions, he said, helped build understanding and reassured residents that the leadership was accessible and willing to listen.
Community members also contributed significantly by participating in house-to-house mobilisation, which Molome described as one of the most effective components of their campaign. Another factor that worked in the UDC’s favour, Molome explained, was the appeal of their candidate. He said the candidate was well-liked by locals because of his personality and long-standing involvement in community-based projects. This familiarity made residents more comfortable supporting him, as many had witnessed his commitment to local development long before the election. Molome stressed that this personal connection strengthened the campaign, adding authenticity that cannot be manufactured during a short campaign period. Despite the victory, Molome acknowledged the reality that unemployment remains a serious problem in Kgalagadi South. He said the party is fully aware of the frustration that comes with high joblessness, especially amongst young people. However, he expressed confidence that several planned projects under the National Development Plan (NDP) 12 will help address this challenge by creating opportunities in the area.
In addition, he said that the newly elected Member of Parliament is expected to work closely with residents to understand their needs and collaborate on practical solutions that reflect the community’s priorities. Molome also pointed out that the political landscape in Kgalagadi South is competitive, with the Botswana National Front, one of the UDC’s affiliates, having traditionally been strong in the region. He noted that the main competition remained the Botswana Democratic Party, which also enjoys considerable support there. This reality, he said, forced all UDC affiliates to combine their efforts and approach the constituency with a united strategy. According to Molome, the size of the constituency made collaboration essential, and the coalition’s unity played a decisive role in securing the win.
He further reflected on the value of personal engagement, saying that visiting households one by one allowed the UDC team to connect with residents on a deeper level. “In an area as large and dispersed as Kgalagadi South, building personal relationships mattered more than large rallies alone. Further explaining that listening directly to people’s concerns helped build trust and counter misinformation that often circulates during campaigns,” he said. He believes this honest, house-to-house approach is part of what convinced residents that the UDC was committed to them beyond election season.
Molome emphasised that the party chose not to make unrealistic promises.
He said residents appreciated this openness and were willing to give the party more time to address complex national issues. “For him, this sincerity created a sense of partnership between the leadership and the people, which ultimately strengthened support,” he pointed out.
Looking ahead, Molome said the UDC is committed to maintaining this engagement now that the elections are over. Winning the seat, he said, is only the beginning. He stressed that the new MP, Tokyo Modise, must remain close to the residents, consult widely, and ensure that community concerns are reflected in the decisions made at the national level.
According to Molome, this relationship will be essential for progress to be meaningful and sustainable. Overall, Molome views the triumph in Kgalagadi South as a powerful signal that people still believe in the UDC’s direction despite the challenges of governing for just a year. He described the win as evidence that the coalition’s unity, dedication, and connection with ordinary people continue to resonate strongly. For him, the outcome is both a responsibility and a reminder that trust must be continually earned through action.
UDC got 6766 votes, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) 3926, Botswana Congress Party (BCP) 946, Independent candidate 116 and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) 99 and spoiled 46 votes.