Just like biblical Noah
Leinanyana Tsiane | Friday June 13, 2014 15:48
But first he has to overcome an ‘obstacle’ in veteran parliamentarian, Johnny Swartz of the Botswana Democratic Party and a fellow comrade, Brains Kwadipane of the Botswana Congress Party. The youthful parliamentary candidate is contesting under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) ticket. Some of his dreams are that socialism conceived in liberty, equality and peace shall live to reveal the greatness of God’s love and wisdom.
“I have a belief that when this happens workers in this country will start to reap gainfully from the sweat of their labour,” says Salakae.
His other dream is that compassion, unity, tolerance, equality, peace, social democracy and prosperity become the measure of success for Batswana. He also dreams of seeing all Batswana children from poor households live in a country where they will not wait to grow old only to have a blanket donation as a token of appreciation for their patriotism and service to the nation.
“These are my dreams and God willing I am going to realise them when I go to Parliament,” says the God-fearing man.
Salakae’s inclination to politics started when he was a student at Maun Senior Secondary School. Even when he was a Mathematics teacher at Itekeng Junior Secondary School and when he was employed at Central Statistics Office in Gaborone he was very active in politics.
Salakae believes he was never caught or taken to task because he played ‘silent politician’ and was very disciplined. He always put God before everything else then and even now and believes God played a greater part in his political life.
It was during his UB days, when he was pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Statistics, that he became openly active and joined Botswana National Front (BNF) and became the BNF Youth League Secretary for International Affairs.
“I was inspired by Dr Kenneth Koma. When I was young I was an artist and sub-consciously drew Dr Koma on pieces of paper and didn’t realise it until after many years when I started to recall everything. I was privileged to see him in person when he visited Gantsi in 1987,” Salakae says.
Salakae speaks fondly of the former BNF leader Otsweletse Moupo, saying he is one of the best politicians this country has ever had. He says Moupo might be soft spoken but if you hear how he addresses issue, be it at a political rally or Parliament, you will appreciate him.
“He is one politician who has greatly inspired me and I still look up to him,” he says. He also speaks highly of his family whom he says has given him tremendous support. He says that quitting his job and leaving Gaborone to come home to stand for elections is a worthwhile sacrifice.
“My family has been my support system since I started my campaign. Some have no financial muscle but they have always been emotionally supportive and have given me the courage to strive on. Some have even encouraged their children to vote for me.”
To sell himself and the UDC to the electorate, Salakae produces a monthly pamphlet outlining the burning issues he has investigated, especially in the CKGR.
“I decided to do my investigations and visited CKGR and all the findings will be out in the pamphlet. I realised that the media was not aggressive with the happenings at CKGR hence this pamphlet.”
Though not a sports person Salakae played table tennis and chess at school and he was also into morabaraba and mhele. Salakae is a gospel music lover and the Paradise singers always make his day. His love of gospel music comes from his mother who is a pastor and a good singer.
Salakae is a serious minded person who does not go to parties. His party scene is a political rally. Saturday, should be one good party for him, as the UDC leadership led by president Duma Boko will be launching him and his council candidates.
Is the youthful energetic leader fancying bringing down one of the longest serving MPs? “I don’t want to pre-empt how I am going to fair. Let’s just wait until all the ballot papers have been counted. That will answer your question,” he says.