Kedikilwe warns against complacency
Chakalisa Dube | Tuesday May 27, 2014 16:27
The BDP chairperson, speaking at the launch of Shashe West parliamentary candidate Fidelis Molao at the weekend, said taking the opposition lightly could result in a great loss and embarrassment.
“If we remain complacent it means that we will fail at the polls. Failing at the polls means that we will be thrown out of government.
“Let us make sure that we campaign vigorously and that every BDP member votes at the general elections so that we continue governing,” Kedikilwe said.
Kedikilwe challenged members of the BDP to come up with ways that could help them elect leaders who will represent the party at the general elections as a replacement to the current controversial system of Bulela Ditswe.
“The party will welcome any idea that will help it elect leaders to represent the party at the general election if such an idea is more effective than Bulela Ditswe,” he said. He also appealed to disgruntled party members not to resign when they lose in the primaries as has happened this past Bulela Ditswe.
“Instead of leaving the party, let us work together to address the challenges we have as a party and map a way forward,” Kedikilwe said.
The man of the moment, Molao, took to the stage to lift a dampened mood that had engulfed the event. The youthful MP theatrically knelt down and prayed before a cheering crowd, before making a passionate plea for a vote in the general election.
Trade Minister Dorcus Makgato-Malesu joined in the prayer. Seemingly to appease the electorate further, Molao also honoured the late area MP Baledzi Gaolathe, asking the crowd to observe a moment of silence. Molao assumed the reigns in 2010 after the passing of the former Finance Minister.
Pleading for another vote, Molao told the BDP faithful that his record speaks for itself.
“Since I became the MP for this area I have brought notable developments. Each and every clinic in the constituency boasts two nurses each.
“Almost every HIV/AIDS patient in the constituency has access to Anti Retro Viral (ARV) drugs and most schools have been fully equipped with computers.
“All these development came under my tenure and they show that I am a capable leader and I have confidence that you will vote for me in the general elections,” he said.
Molao’s constituency is among those that have a sizeable number of independent candidates who recently defected from the ruling party.
Five independent candidates are vying for council seats while the man he beat in the Bulela Ditswe is challenging Molao.
Molao took a swipe at his former colleagues, telling the crowd that independent candidates should not be trusted. He said the six men lack credibility and left the party because of bitterness.
The BCP has also fielded Nthusi Chimbise while the UDC candidate is yet to be confirmed.