Hikuama: Koma’s blossoming political seed
Ryder Gabathuse | Monday December 22, 2025 13:25
Hikuama 1. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO
They are hailed as the makers and leaders of the Zodiac, valued for their ability to achieve long-term goals and their unwavering loyalty to those they trust. He thinks politics to him is a calling and he just conducted himself as a social activist even during his years of civil service
For Hikuama, it was political literature authored by the late founding father of the Botswana National Front (BNF) Dr Kenneth Koma that influenced his political path, like many other legislators in the 13th Parliament. Born on January 1, 1970, at Motswereng cattlepost, just 8 kilometres northwest of Bodibeng village in a predominantly Ovambanderu tribe territory, politics literally turned him into a non-conformist. The tribal issue never made him feel inferior; rather, it sparked the activist in him to join hands with those who stood for equality of tribes before the law. He is steadfast that the Botswana Constitution, which recognises only eight tribes out of many, fails the people in many ways and should be repealed, hoping that the UDC government’s quest to amend the Constitution will do a thorough job.
“I took the classification and description of Botswana tribes as offensive and discriminatory,” he shares his frustrations with Mmegi this week. Influenced by his blood cousin, Petrus Mbaeva, who was doing his secondary school education at Itekeng Community Junior Secondary School by then, and brought him a copy of the Botswana National Front (BNF) Pamphlet No.1 authored by Dr Koma in 1976, that discussed issues of tribal relations and national unity within its political framework, his view of tribal differences in Botswana was diametrically changed.
In 1987, he joined other students at Maun Secondary School, who were interested in discussing politics, reading liberation political literature from our neighbouring countries, such as Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In 1992 whilst serving as a Tirelo Sechaba participant in Gantsi, where he was inspired and moved into active politics by BNF activists such as the late Mbish, and Peba Sethantsho.
He saw a rise in purposeful activist upon enrolling enrolled into the University of Botswana (UB) where he became more active in student politics, also serving as MASS treasurer and organiser within the school campus. It is at the UB where he also joined the Botswana Socialist Youth (BSY).
When he joined teaching, he became a non-recruited member of a teaching federation known as BOFESETE and participated in its resuscitation until it became a formidable force where he served in various capacities in different regions up to the national committee of then Botswana Secondary School Teachers Union (BOSETU). Trade unionism shaped his perspectives in politics more especially on workers’ rights, fairness and collective action.
As a former trade unionist and teacher, Hikuama brings a unique perspective to his work. He’s urged labour movements to be the voice of the voiceless and vulnerable, emphasising the importance of unity and a strong representation.
In his constituency, Hikuama focuses on issues like balancing mining and agriculture, promoting land cultivation and addressing human-wildlife conflicts as he presides over wildlife infested area where tourism is the mainstay of the area economy.
He concurs that sometimes he misses teaching as a noble profession and less stressful vocation compared to politics; but I get solace from the fact that politics can create broader impact and drive change.” To him, this is a sacrifice he made consciously in his life to offer himself to the people and nation at large. Answering a call is more fulfilling despite the pressure and thankless nature associated with politics.
He remembers some of the motions that he tabled since he became an MP including; bail out of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) relief fund loan to Ngamiland farmers who have been hit by consistent droughts, tick borne diseases and other many calamities that wiped most of Ngamiland cattle; introduction and supply of clean potable water to people living in ungazetted settlements and farmlands, introduction of 26 days’ pay model for teachers as he mentioned just a few.
His early political life was driven by his experiences as a trade unionist-cum-teacher. His background in these roles also likely shaped his commitment to social justice and representation. As a unionist, he advocated for workers’ rights and as a teacher, he understood the importance of education and empowerment.
The BCP in Maun West and the entire North West region seems to be doing the right thing in terms of attracting stable support.
Quizzed as to what he really attributes to the strength of the party in his area and the entire region Hikuama explained: “Political history of years of grassroots mobilisation and activism, growing support cultivated through sustained activism and effective campaign messaging due to long-standing and critical issues, such as water crisis, poor infrastructure, lagging amenities, general poor service, unresolved human-wildlife conflict as on and so forth made his party’s messaging relevant.”
In the Maun West constituency BCP won seven council seats and lost two in the 2024 polls. There are 11 councillors altogether, including two from the BDP and two nominated ones. The numbers give the MP and his party total control of the constituency as they are superior, to say the least.
Caterpillar Hikuama’s background in political activism show that he is a key operative of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), which was formed in 1998 following a split from the party where he cut his political teeth, the BNF. As a prominent figure in the BCP, Hikuama has been actively involved in politics, particularly in his role as Opposition Whip and Member of Parliament for Maun West. His activism focuses on issues such as fiscal accountability, holding the government accountable for its spending and policies. He has consistently been advocating for teachers’ rights, including a 26-day pay model. He also advocates for transparency and good governance practices. His involvement with the BCP and his parliamentary work indicate a commitment to public service and reform.
His role and responsibilities as the BCP opposition Whip in the National Assembly includes coordinating party positions; aligning BCP MPs on key issues and legislation, managing parliamentary business: scheduling and prioritising opposition business in Parliament, communicating with MPs by keeping BCP members informed and engaged, holding government accountable by scrutinising executive actions and policies, attend business advisory committee meetings with the Speaker, Leader of Government Business, Leader of Opposition, Deputy Speaker and the Government Whip.
The dynamics in Hikuama’s constituency, Maun West, are shaped by its history of electoral competition and the current political landscape. Maun West has experienced shifts in party allegiance over the years.
Initially, it was a stronghold for the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), but it later transitioned to the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and eventually to the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) with Hikuama’s win in 2024.The constituency has witnessed competitive elections, with the margin of victory varying between parties. In the 2024 election, Hikuama won with 55.60% of the votes, while the BDP’s Thato Kwerepe secured 34.85%.
Maun West constituency encompasses various locations, including parts of Maun, Sehithwa, Kareng, Bodibeng, and others, which may have different needs and priorities. Like many other constituencies in Botswana, Maun West likely faces challenges related to infrastructure development, service delivery, and economic growth.
The BCP’s presence in Maun West reflects the growing strength of opposition parties in Botswana, which are increasingly challenging the dominance of the BDP. The 2024 election results indicate a potential shift in power dynamics, with the UDC and BCP gaining ground against the BDP.
Hikuama has been critical of the government’s handling of economic issues and has questioned the feasibility of the President’s promises. He has also highlighted the need for the government to address the long-awaited increase in tertiary students’ monthly allowances.
The MP’s strengths and weaknesses can be inferred from his role as Opposition Whip and Member of Parliament for Maun West.
The legislator won the Maun West constituency seat in the 2024 general election, garnering 7,260 votes (55.60%). As Opposition Whip, he is well positioned to hold the government accountable and also strongly advocates for the needs of his constituents.
The MP is hailed for demonstrating commitment to the BCP and its ideologies.
As part of the opposition, Hikuama faces the challenge of working within a dominant-party system, where the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has historically held significant power. The BCP’s internal dynamics and relationships with other opposition parties may impact Hikuama’s effectiveness as Opposition Whip.
The BCP, Hikuama insists, has a significant presence in Maun West and it’s great to see the party’s strong and unshakeable support base in the constituency.
“It’s a key constituency in the whole North West region and I believe the BCP’s influence there can shape local politics and development,” he insists. On the flip side, he is worried that Maun West’s safety is a bit of a mixed bag.
Generally, his feeling is that Maun is relatively safe, but like any place it’s not immune to crime.
“Property crimes like vandalism, petty theft and robbery are moderate concerns, while violent crime rates have been increasing in recent years, particularly in tourism areas.”
The legislator is also of the view that when walking alone, it’s safer during the day, “But night time safety is a concern, with a high perceived risk, due to dark streets.”
The other danger that he stresses to human safety and security is posed by roaming dangerous animals such as elephants.
He hails introduction of indigenous languages on State radio and television as a great move and calls it a commendable step by the UDC-led government. He, however, feels that policy development is key to making the introduction of languages effective.
“This way we can ensure consistency, quality and inclusivity. A policy framework needs to be developed as early as yesterday.” Hikuama is married to Grace Vepahaune Hikuama and is blessed with four children, three daughters and a son.
He used to play social football but during his teaching days he was an athletics coach.
He is also a believer in African Traditional Religion, which he calls ‘Oupuee’ in his mother tongue.