Moatlhodi takes 750 MaDomi to UDC

Chakalisa Dube | Thursday July 3, 2014 06:59

 

The defectors, most of whom are elderly, were paraded on Tuesday before hordes of both UDC supporters and boisterous BDP members at a welcome rally held in Tonota. 

Almost all the defectors discarded their BDP membership cards publicly in exchange for the Botswana National Front (BNF) membership cards. Moatlhodi and his followers have defected citing ill treatment from the ruling party. 

The BNF is part of the opposition coalition – the UDC. It is believed the defections will cripple the ruling party in Tonota South.  Speaking at the rally moments after the UDC welcomed the defectors, Moatlhodi vowed to teach his rival, Thapelo Olopeng of the BDP a lesson. 

“He is a political novice, a political apprentice and I will show him who I am. I am going to humiliate him and the BDP at the general elections. Ke kopa tlhopo ya lona (Vote for me please).

“I want to turn Tonota into a paradise because of my credentials in this constituency and the country in general,” he said. 

The above statement certainly ended speculation regarding who will contest Tonota constituency at the general elections. 

Last week both Moatlhodi and another potential candidate, Maokaneng Bontshetse were tight-lipped regarding speculation that the deputy speaker of Parliament will contest the general elections under the UDC in Tonota. Even senior party officials said a decision is yet to be taken as to who will contest the elections in Tonota, but Moatlhodi’s Tuesday remarks suggested that he was the one chosen. 

At the rally, Moatlhodi also challenged Olopeng’s credentials. “A good leader does not buy votes. 

“He has to sell his ideas to the people unlike what Olopeng is doing buying votes. Do not shun his money, but come election day, vote a leader based on his credentials not the money and other donations he gives you,” he said.

The UDC meet was frequently disrupted by BDP members waving their red cards. The unruly acts drew a furious response from the UDC MP for Francistown South, Wynter Mmolotsi,  “You are losing your dignity by continuing to vote the BDP while the party is not doing anything to change your lives,” Mmolotsi said, speaking directly to the rowdy group. 

Mmolotsi said that voters in Tonota South should go vote Moatlhodi who is an experienced politician. “Moatlhodi is also a man of principles, and will question when things are not done right by government. 

“As for Olopeng he cannot question his master when things are not done right,” he said. Mmolotsi also lashed out at Olopeng for statements (towards him), which he described as irresponsible. “I am happily married man and constant talk by Olopeng that I was dismissed or left the teaching profession because I could not resist the temptation of falling in love with young school girls is irresponsible.

“It (the allegation), should be treated with the contempt it deserves, “Mmolotsi.