DK falls, as BDP loses eight
| Monday October 27, 2014 17:46
For the first time Botswana parliament will open on Wednesday without a popular figure of the last 45 years, Daniel DK Kwelagobe. He was defeated in the General Elections in Molepolole South, as he became one of the surprise casualties of the UDC.
Actually the whole Molepolole fell as DK’s fellow bedfellow and confidante, Gaotlhaetse GUS Matlhabaphiri also fell on the sword on the other side of the village, Molepolole North, as the UDC made it a surprise two out of two in the traditionally BDP stronghold.
The duo also happen to have a bosom buddy called Patrick Masimolole, who was hoping to retain his seat in Mogoditshane. It was a hat-trick of sorrow for the tripartite.
The BDP also lost two of President Ian Khama’s key ministers and possible candidates for the Vice Presidency in Kitso Mokaila and Johnny Swartz who also could not escape the UDC’s sword at the polls. Mokaila, an engineer by training, took over from the now retired Ponatshego Kedikilwe as the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources.
Minister Johnny Swartz was also assigned to oversee government projects, a task once assigned Ian Khama by former president Festus Mogae.
MP Botsalo Ntuane, hailed as one of the brightest fellows in the BDP, also lost his MP seat at Bonnington South as his fellow friend, Odirile Motlhale, who was hoping to defend his seat in Ramotswa also fell at the hands of the Botswana Congress Party(BCP).
Perhaps the shocker of the weekend is the fall of former leader of opposition and BCP president, Dumelang Saleshando. Like DK and company, the energetic Saleshando also could not escape the UDC might as the combined opposition left the BCP with just one council seat in Gaborone Central.
The UDC also made a clean sweep in Tlokweng where they won all council seats before defeating the MP Olebile Gaborone, also a cabinet minister. It must have felt so bad especially after President Khama had ensured that Gaborone, in spite of losing the BDP primary elections, went on to represent the party in Tlokweng.
But the hammering of Gaborone was staggering as the UDC dethroned him with an embarrassing margin.