Digwa: Political interest stimulated by derisory representation in Boteti
Ryder Gabathuse | Monday August 10, 2026 14:54
Digwa
In addition, Digwa, who is also Government Whip in the National Assembly, habitually read articles and political literature distributed by prominent figures such as the late Motsamai Mpho, who advocated for equality amongst tribes and highlighted the challenges faced by marginalised communities.
These writings broadened his perspective on issues of social inclusion and national development. Dr. Kenneth Koma, the founding father of the Botswana National Front (BNF), a party that now is in a coalition government under the tri-party Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), also played a significant role in shaping the Member of Parliament’s (MP) political consciousness through his political debates, ideological writings, and publications such as Pamphlet Number One. Other coalition partners include Botswana People’s Party and Alliance for Progressives.
Digwa’s father was another major influence on his political development. As a World War II veteran, the father often shared insightful views on social and economic issues, particularly regarding the governance approaches of the time, which he (Digwa) believed were heavily influenced by the British administration. The old man frequently related these issues to his wartime experiences, providing valuable lessons on leadership, governance and national affairs.
“Another factor that motivated my involvement in politics was the perceived lack of adequate political representation for the people of Boteti by the political leadership and parliamentary representatives of the time,” Digwa highlighted. “While studying at the University of Botswana, I became a member of the Boteti Development Trust, an association established to promote development initiatives in the region and to support the MP with ideas and projects aimed at improving the welfare of the community.”
Although the association initially worked closely with the Member of Parliament, the relationship later deteriorated, limiting its effectiveness. This experience convinced the Boteti West legislator of the need for stronger and more effective representation and ultimately inspired him to consider seeking political office in order to better serve and represent the people of Boteti.
Key issues that shaped and strengthened his interest in politics were unemployment, poverty, and concerns relating to tribal inequality within Botswana’s constitutional framework. Digwa was concerned by constitutional and legislative provisions, including those relating to tribal territories, which did not adequately recognise the diversity of tribes that exist in Botswana.
“These issues motivated me to be actively involved in politics and advocate for the rights and interests of my community, as well as those of other groups that were historically regarded as minority tribes,” he tells Mmegi.
His commitment to these causes was further demonstrated through his membership in the Kamanakao Association, an organisation established to advocate for the rights, recognition and equitable treatment of communities classified as minority tribes under the Constitution, particularly the Bayeyi people. Through Digwa’s involvement in the association, he gained valuable experience in community advocacy and a deeper appreciation of the importance of inclusive governance, equal representation and social justice. These experiences ultimately reinforced his decision to pursue active political participation as a means of contributing to meaningful social and political change.
Becoming an MP has provided him with an important platform to articulate and address issues affecting his constituents and the wider Boteti community. Through Parliament and various government forums, he has consistently advocated for matters that are critical to the social and economic development of the region.
Amongst the key issues he champions are concerns relating to tribal equality and the need for constitutional reforms that promote inclusivity and equal recognition of all tribes in Botswana.
“I have also been a strong advocate for mineral beneficiation, particularly in the Boteti area, which hosts significant diamond mining activities. Despite the region’s substantial contribution to the national economy, I believe that local communities should derive greater direct benefits from the exploitation of these natural resources,” he states.
Parliament has also enabled him to raise and seek solutions to pressing challenges affecting the people of Boteti. These issues include human-wildlife conflict, food security and rural development. Furthermore, the legislator actively promotes the inclusion and participation of Boteti residents in the tourism sector. This is to ensure that they benefit directly from the natural resources and wildlife heritage that they have preserved and coexisted with for generations.
Through these efforts, the MP is steadfast that he remains committed to advancing equitable development, improving livelihoods, and ensuring that the interests and aspirations of the constituents are effectively represented at the national level.
According to Digwa, the growth of BNF membership in Boteti can be attributed to deliberate and well-coordinated membership recruitment initiatives undertaken through the party’s various organisational structures. These structures, he says, played a critical role in communicating and promoting the party’s ideology, manifesto, vision, and policy positions in across the constituency. As a result, he is convinced that many residents identified with and embraced the party’s vision for social, economic, and political development.
In addition to party activities, “I actively engaged with community members through various public platforms, including kgotla meetings and other official forums. During these engagements, I consistently raised issues that directly affected the people of Boteti, such as tribal inequality, high unemployment levels, poverty, and other pressing socio-economic challenges.”
By advocating for matters that were of genuine concern to the community, Digwa was able to build trust and demonstrate his commitment to representing their interests and aspirations.
The BNF structures in Boteti, Digwa emphasises are well organised and adequately capacitated to promote the party’s vision, programmes, and development agenda. He adds that their continued engagement with communities has enabled the party to attract and retain members, resulting in a steady growth in membership and the registration of significant numbers of new members monthly.
Furthermore, he claims his extensive experience in political campaigning and grassroots mobilisation has enabled him to effectively engage with the people of Boteti and understand their needs and expectations. Before being elected into Parliament, he contested for political office for approximately 15 years, from 2009 to 2024. This prolonged period of engagement with constituents provided him with valuable experience, strengthened his relationship with the community, and ultimately contributed to his ability to effectively represent the interests of the people of Boteti.
Digwa is confident that if elections were to be held tomorrow, he would secure victory. This confidence he says is based on the extensive work he has undertaken within the constituency, the strength and organisation of the party structures in Boteti and the trust that the electorate has placed in the current government in comparison to previous administrations.
Over the years, he has maintained close engagements with constituents and consistently advocated for issues affecting their livelihoods and welfare. It is this commitment that has strengthened his relationship with the community and reinforced public confidence in his leadership and representation.
Furthermore, the BNF structures within the constituency are well organised and effective in mobilising support, communicating government programmes and engaging communities on matters of national and local importance. These structures have played a significant role in strengthening the party’s presence and credibility in the region.
The current government’s policy interventions have also contributed to public confidence. For example, he says the decision to increase the old-age pension allowance despite a challenging economic environment demonstrates the government’s commitment to social welfare and improving the quality of life of vulnerable citizens. Such measures have reinforced the perception that the government is responsive to the needs of the people and committed to promoting inclusive development.
Taken together, these factors he is elated provide a strong foundation of support and position both the party and him favourably in the event of an election.
Digwa grew up aspiring to pursue a career in politics and believes he has successfully achieved that ambition. “Throughout my political journey, I have had the privilege of representing and advocating for the interests of the people of Boteti, both within Parliament and through various engagements outside Parliament.”
His many years of active involvement in politics have provided him with valuable opportunities to understand, articulate and advance the views, concerns, and aspirations of my constituents.”
Through this service, he has been able to contribute to discussions on issues affecting the region and to advocate for policies and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the people he represents.
His view is that the opportunity to serve the people of Boteti and to be a voice for their interests has been both fulfilling and rewarding. Knowing that he has played a role in addressing community concerns and promoting their development has given him a profound sense of accomplishment and purpose, and it remains one of the most significant achievements of his political career.
The Boteti West legislator was elected to serve in the BNF central committee as secretary for political education, a position he held from 2010 to 2016. In this role, he was responsible for promoting the party’s political ideology, strengthening political awareness amongst members, and supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing civic and political education within the party and the broader community.
Prior to that, in 2009, he was elected regional chairperson for the BNF in the Boteti region. The position provided him with an opportunity to strengthen the BNF’s organisational structures, mobilise members, coordinate regional party activities, and advance the organisation’s vision and objectives within the constituency.
These leadership roles enabled Digwa to gain valuable experience in political organisation, policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and party administration. They also strengthened his ability to effectively represent the interests of both the party and the communities he served, while contributing to the growth and development of the BNF at both regional and national levels.
As an MP, he dedicates a significant amount of his time to preparing for parliamentary business. This includes reviewing and analysing parliamentary bills, preparing parliamentary questions and motions and conducting extensive reading and research to ensure that he is well informed on matters under consideration. These responsibilities require thorough preparation to enable effective participation in parliamentary debates and decision-making processes.
“In addition to my parliamentary duties, I serve on several committees, including the Public Accounts Committee, the Pan-African Parliament, and other parliamentary committees. Membership in these committees entails substantial reading, desk research, stakeholder engagement, and preparation for committee deliberations, discussions, and oversight activities,” Digwa explains.
He feels the parliamentary commitments demand a considerable portion of his time, often leaving limited opportunity to attend to personal responsibilities.
“Even during parliamentary recess periods, I remain actively engaged with my constituents to understand their concerns, gather their views, and identify issues that require parliamentary attention. To achieve this, I regularly convene kgotla meetings and utilise other community engagement platforms to consult with residents and obtain input that informs my contributions in Parliament,” he details the nature of his duties outside Parliament.
He also maintains close contact with constituents which he says is an essential aspect of his role, “as it ensures that the concerns, priorities, and aspirations of the people of Boteti are effectively represented in parliamentary debates, motions, and policy discussions.” Through these engagements, he can strengthen the link between Parliament and the community while promoting responsive and inclusive representation. The MP also maintains a positive and productive working relationship with all councillors within Boteti West constituency, regardless of their political affiliation, as “our shared priority is to serve the interests of the community.” Of the 16 councillors in the constituency, four are members of opposition parties, and the MP has established a strong and cooperative relationship with each of them.
He makes a deliberate effort to maintain open lines of communication and engagement with all councillors. “They have unrestricted access to my constituency office, and I regularly interact with them to discuss issues affecting their respective wards.
In addition, I value the personal relationships we have built over the years, which have contributed to mutual respect and effective collaboration.”
This cooperative approach enables councillors to freely raise concerns and challenges experienced within their communities. Through regular consultations and constructive engagement, they work together to identify practical solutions and advocate for the resources and interventions required to address those challenges.
He hails the collaborative relationship to have strengthened service delivery and ensured that the needs and interests of residents across the constituency are effectively represented and addressed.
Political figures who inspired Digwa’s decision to join partisan politics and pursue a career in public service amongst the most influential were Koma, Motsamai Mpho and Gilson Saleshando.
Koma, he says, had a profound influence on his political development through his ideological leadership, intellectual contributions and commitment to social justice and democratic governance. Digwa explains that Koma’s political writings, public debates, and advocacy on national issues helped shape his understanding of politics and public service.
Mpho he notes, also played a significant role in inspiring his political journey through his advocacy for equality, social inclusion, and the rights of marginalised communities. Mpho’s views on national development and equitable representation resonated strongly with his own aspirations and convictions.
“Likewise, Saleshando’s leadership, political activism, and commitment to addressing issues affecting ordinary citizens further strengthened my interest in active political participation. His dedication to public service and community empowerment demonstrated the important role that political leaders can play in advancing the interests of the people they represent,” he says.
Collectively, the leaders influenced Digwa’s political thinking and reinforced his commitment to pursuing a political career dedicated to representing communities, promoting social justice, and contributing to the development of Botswana.
He concedes, politics has a family connection in his background. His elder brother contested local government elections in 2004 as a BNF candidate for the Motopi-Makalamabedi ward. Although he was serving as a civil servant at the time and was therefore, limited in the extent of his direct political involvement, he however, supported his candidature and closely followed the brother’s campaign activities. Outside politics, Digwa has keen interest in arable agriculture, cattle farming, tourism-related activities and football. Agriculture, particularly crop production and livestock farming, have always been important to him because of its significant contribution to rural livelihoods, food security and economic development. Through his involvement and interest in these sectors, he has gained an appreciation of the opportunities and challenges facing farming communities.
He is also interested in tourism and related activities, given their potential to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities and promote sustainable utilisation of Botswana’s natural resources. His interest in tourism is closely aligned with his advocacy for greater participation of local communities in the sector so that they can directly benefit from the country’s rich environmental and wildlife heritage.
In addition, the outspoken legislator is a follower of football and he values the role that sports play in promoting unity, discipline, youth development and community engagement. These interests provide him with opportunities for personal growth, social interaction and a broader understanding of issues that affect communities beyond the political arena.
Principal challenges facing the Boteti West include human-wildlife conflict, tribal inequality arising from provisions of the current Constitution of Botswana and livestock theft. As an MP, he consistently raises these issues in Parliament and through other community engagement platforms, including kgotla meetings, to advocate for practical and sustainable solutions.
Human-wildlife conflict remains a significant concern, particularly for communities whose livelihoods depend on agriculture and livestock farming. “I continue to engage relevant government departments and stakeholders to promote measures that protect both local communities and wildlife while minimising losses suffered by residents.”
The MP has vouched to continue advocating for greater equality and inclusivity within Botswana’s constitutional framework, particularly regarding issues that affect communities that have historically felt underrepresented. Through parliamentary debates and community consultations, he seeks to ensure that the views and concerns of his constituents are effectively represented in national discussions on governance and policy reform.
Another major challenge affecting the constituency is cattle and livestock theft, which has significant economic consequences for farmers and rural households. To address the issue, Digwa has been working closely with local communities, farmers associations and other stakeholders, particularly in the Rakops, Moreomaoto and Makalamabedi areas. These collaborative efforts are aimed at strengthening community participation in crime prevention and improving mechanisms for protecting livestock.
In response to this challenge, farmers in Boteti have organised themselves into coordinated groups that work closely with the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, the Botswana Police Service and other relevant stakeholders to combat livestock theft. These partnerships have enhanced information sharing, community vigilance, and collective action against criminal activities affecting farmers. “Additionally, we are working with communities and government institutions to support efforts aimed at maintaining Boteti West as a disease-control green zone.
This includes assisting with the repair, maintenance, and monitoring of veterinary disease-control fences in and around the constituency,” he says. These initiatives are critical for livestock health, market access, and the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector, which remains one of the key economic activities in the region.
In his political journey, Digwa has the unwavering support of his children, who play an important role in both his political and social responsibilities.
“Their encouragement and assistance have been invaluable throughout my public service journey, helping me balance the demands of political leadership with family and community obligations,” Digwa proclaims.
Some of his children stay with him in Gaborone, which enables them to provide practical support and remain closely involved in his day-to-day activities.
“Their presence and continued support have been a source of strength and motivation, contributing significantly to my ability to effectively serve my constituents while fulfilling my personal and family responsibilities.”
He greatly values the role his family has played in his life and career, as their understanding, encouragement, and commitment have been essential to his success in both public service and community engagement.