Boko honours fallen heroes

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday October 7, 2014 10:08

Boko

The launch of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) presidential and parliamentary launch of Duma Boko culminated with an emotional remembrance ceremony of coalition partners’ fallen heroes.

Releasing the flying candles of honour after a more than 12 hours highly charged and successful launch, the tens of thousands remembered departed Botswana National Front president, Dr Kenneth Koma, the former area Member of Parliament Paul Rantao and the recently departed Botswana Movement for Democracy’s Gomolemo Motswaledi among others.

When praying and asking for God’s blessings and guidance at the Diphetogo grounds in Gaborone West on Saturday night, Boko said it is important that they remember party founders.

“When our party does well in lot of things, we should know that it is because of our veterans’ prayers. We should always remember our fallen heroes and veterans who love this party so dearly. These are people who encourage us day and night to work hard for our movement. We are blessed to have such people,” Boko said.

Among those who joined Boko on stage to honour the fallen heroes were family members, including Motswaledi’s brother, Gape. As the candles were lit and released into the air, a sombre and emotional moment fell, as tens of thousands stood and sang along to the booming voice of the late BMD and UDC vice-president, leading in the singing of his all-time Gospel song, ‘Morena o ba etele, bana ba lefifi...’. Then, it wa just after 10pm, but the mood was just as electric and highly charged as it was when the launch party started at 8am the Saturday morning with a motorcade.

To the delight of the appreciative crowd, Boko noted that throughout the politically testing past year, the UDC members remained his strength and support base.

“Ke mo tlotlo ka lona ka tsatsi leno ga ke na stress. Stress ke a se utlwalela, mme ka lebaka la lerato le kgothatso ya lona, ga ke na le haele stress. Bakaulengwe, di sms tsa kgothatso ya lona ke a di bona bosigo le motshegare,” said Boko, stating that because of the support of the membership, he had no stress.

He said he had no doubt that he could win the constituency because his party members are working hard day and night. But to win Gaborone Bonnington North constituency, and the state power, Boko urged UDC members to ensure that they vote and also convince their families, friends and others to do so.

He said the time has come that Batswana should vote out the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

He said his members should work extra hard because the UDC has no resources that the ruling party had.

“I am urging all UDC members and people to vote our party so that we retain all our constituencies and even win those that are held by the BDP,” said the youthful leader.

The launch of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) presidential and parliamentary launch of Duma Boko culminated with an emotional remembrance ceremony of coalition partners’ fallen heroes. Releasing the flying candles of honour after a more than 12 hours highly charged and successful launch, the tens of thousands remembered departed Botswana National Front president, Dr Kenneth Koma, the former area Member of Parliament Paul Rantao and the recently departed Botswana Movement for Democracy’s Gomolemo Motswaledi among others.

When praying and asking for God’s blessings and guidance at the Diphetogo grounds in Gaborone West on Saturday night, Boko said it is important that they remember party founders. “When our party does well in lot of things, we should know that it is because of our veterans’ prayers. We should always remember our fallen heroes and veterans who love this party so dearly. These are people who encourage us day and night to work hard for our movement. We are blessed to have such people,” Boko said. Among those who joined Boko on stage to honour the fallen heroes were family members, including Motswaledi’s brother, Gape.

As the candles were lit and released into the air, a sombre and emotional moment fell, as tens of thousands stood and sang along to the booming voice of the late BMD and UDC vice-president, leading in the singing of his all-time Gospel song, ‘Morena o ba etele, bana ba lefifi...’. Then, it wa just after 10pm, but the mood was just as electric and highly charged as it was when the launch party started at 8am the Saturday morning with a motorcade.

Earlier, when he delivered his message and lecture in acceptance of the presidency and parliamentary candidature, Boko promised to work with his team, advisers and the constituents to protect the human rights of all Batswana. With that pledge, he raised fellow lawyer, human rights activist and friend, Dick Bayford and declared that if he were to divert from that promise, “call this man and demand answers...” To the delight of the appreciative crowd, Boko noted that throughout the politically testing past year, the UDC members remained his strength and support base.“Ke mo tlotlo ka lona ka tsatsi leno ga ke na stress.

Stress ke a se utlwalela, mme ka lebaka la lerato le kgothatso ya lona, ga ke na le haele stress. Bakaulengwe, di sms tsa kgothatso ya lona ke a di bona bosigo le motshegare,” said Boko, stating that because of the support of the membership, he had no stress.He said he had no doubt that he could win the constituency because his party members are working hard day and night.

But to win Gaborone Bonnington North constituency, and the state power, Boko urged UDC members to ensure that they vote and also convince their families, friends and others to do so. He said the time has come that Batswana should vote out the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). He said his members should work extra hard because the UDC has no resources that the ruling party had.

“I am urging all UDC members and people to vote our party so that we retain all our constituencies and even win those that are held by the BDP,” said the youthful leader.