Khama the lone ranger
Bame Piet | Friday October 17, 2014 17:10
There is a school of thought that Khama has stayed away from declaring his running mate more out of worry than anything else. It is suspected that he is troubled by the fact that his trusted men may not make it to Parliament. Hence he will not, maybe until after next week Friday, make commitment on who will be his vice if the party wins the elections.
In the previous elections, the BDP presidential candidates had serving vice presidents, whom by the 1997 Constitutional amendment to introduce automation succession, meant were next in line for the top job. Not this time. Khama goes in as a lone man. The limbo, however, has the potential to work against the ruling party, which recently declined to take part in radio debates in private radio stations leaving a less informed but more suspicious electorate.
But that has not stopped speculation of who Khama really wants as his successor.
Khama’s likely right hand:
Kitso Mokaila
Mokaila is one of Khama’s trusted men whose name has featured prominently everytime Khama’s history is mentioned. It is common knowledge that the two men grew up together and their families were close. Mokaila’s brother works at the State House as a private secretary.
Although seemingly playful, Mokaila has proved to be a hard worker who takes his time to familiarise himself with the ministries he is tasked to lead. He was at Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, before being re-deployed to the troubled Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources.
Tshekedi Khama
Khama’s younger brother who was appointed Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism is another possible surprise candidate for the country’s second highest office. Word has it that the younger brother constantly reminds ‘Big Brother’ that he deserves a lot more than what has so far been offered. Those who are very close to him, say the man is really convinced that this country belongs to the Khama family first, then others. Apparently, he could not believe that someone dared to challenge him during the Bulela Ditswe elections, which he won. He needs to be reminded though that a democratic government is not chieftainship, and handing his little brother, as he did with the constituency, could be the final nail in the BDPs coffin.
Dorcas Makgato-Malesu
She is a newcomer to politics but has proven herself to be a hard worker who also has the energy to defend the party, and the government. She did well when she defended the new trading hours for alcohol retailers despite heavy resistance and criticism from the retailers and their customers. After beating outgoing Assistant Minister of Agriculture in the BDP primaries, Makgato-Malesu may be headed for bigger things. The 11th Parliament produced the first woman Speaker of the National Assembly. The country has never had a female vice president, and perhaps she stands to get herself into the books of history if she wins the Ramokgonani constituency against the formidable challenge in the Botswana Congress Party’s vice president, Kesitilwe Gobotswang.
If it so happens, it will be not just be a gender one up, but also a major statement in the settling of tribal tensions, as it will be the first time someone from Tswapong holds the second spot.
Mokgweetsi Masisi
A self-proclaimed bootlicker, Lelope in Setswana, may find himself occupying the second highest office after serving as Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration for almost five years. This is also a necessary balancing act for Khama who should be very careful not to concentrate power in the central district lest he alienates his party supporters in the south. The problem with ‘Lelope’ is lack of maturity, and his recent display of intolerance of opposition Members of Parliament shows lack of wisdom on his part. He seems to lack understanding that democracy encompasses learning to accept and live with people who differ with you. Perhaps he will calm down after getting the ‘cake’.
Johnny Swartz
Longest serving, and oldest minister after outgoing Vice President Ponatshego Kedikilwe, who has presided over several ministries for 15 uninterrupted years. He is the only person from Gantsi who has served for such a long time in Cabinet. Perhaps it is high time the district has one of its sons appointed to the second highest office.
BDP presidential candidates and their VP in recent years
1984
Sir Ketumile Masire – VP Peter Mmusi
1989
Sir Ketumile Masire – Peter Mmusi
1994
Sir Ketumile Masire – Peter Mmusi
1999
Festus Mogae – Lt. Gen Ian Khama
2004
Festus Mogae – Lt. Gen Ian Khama
2009
Lieutenant General Ian Khama – Lt. Gen Mompati Merafhe
2014
Lt Gen Ian Khama - ?