Independent novice to upset election applecart
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday June 11, 2014 06:00
Modiri ‘Jojo’ Lucas, 34, born and bred in Francistown, says he fancied his chances at the elections, and has no problem announcing his intention to contest as council candidate for Ipopeng ward.
Lucas, an unwed father of two sons and an entrepreneur, disclosed to Mmegi that his interest to contest in October was inspired by the motivation he got from the community he lives in at Block 7 and 8, Francistown. A devout Christian with the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), Lucas said residents of Block 7 and 8, encouraged him to contest for a seat in council. They feel they could use a compassionate and caring spirit in office, as he has managed to display those qualities over the years.
His slogan is ‘Together We Can, Mmogo Reka Kgona’ and he is popularly known by the name ‘Mokoko wa Ditlhabololo’ in the ghetto.
Lucas is a focused man who holds a Diploma in Industrial Courses in Photography and Property Development from the South African College of Auctioneering. According to its website, the college, established in 1988, says it equips its students with “necessary skills required to be successful in the auctioneering business”.
Lucas said that he started working as a photographer and later ventured into car retailing, but now he is into property.
“I am a businessman and that is what brings food to my table. I use the little I have to share with members of the community as my contribution to them. I was motivated to do so by my Bishop Joseph Barnabas Lekganyane who encourages us (ZCC members) to take part in contributing to the community,” he said.
He said that he has touched so many people’s lives, offering them any form of assistance that brings back their dignity, especially the needy and they were some of the people who encouraged him to venture into politics.
Even though Lucas said that he did not belong to any political party, he added that he was not against any either seeing that he just never decided to follow one.
When asked about allegations that he has been seen at Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) activities, Lucas said the allegations were untrue, as he did not have a membership card of the party.
“If there are people who say I am a BMD member, they should show my membership card as proof. I am not into any political party. I do attend political rallies to learn more about politics to expand my knowledge base in politics. I am confident that I am now familiar with politics,” said Lucas.
He said that ever since his childhood he liked to assist people and his unconditional love is the one thing that influenced people to encourage him to contest for office.
“I am a man of the people. I have done a lot to touch people’s lives. I have installed tower lights at the Block 7 and 8 tuck shops.
“In the past there had been endless reports of theft in the evenings and I saw an opportunity to assist small businesswomen to operate freely even at night,” he said.
Lucas said that he has started doing house-to-house campaigns to solicit for votes from those that do not know him. He vowed that come October, he will emerge victorious against whoever he will contest against, including former councillor, Stephen Michael who resigned from BMD beginning of this year.