FCC cllrs sworn in

Ryder Gabathuse | Thursday November 27, 2014 12:57

The DC told the councillors that the oath of allegiance that they were taking commits them to serve the city with diligence. She encouraged them to do their  best so that their efforts can pay dividends in developing the city.

‘I can only urge you to carry out your duties with the best of your abilities as a way of paying back to the people who voted you into office on October 24,” pleaded the DC.

The DC was in the council chambers on the basis of her position as commissioner of oaths.

The councillors, who looked excited on their first day of duty, took turns to take the oath of allegiance.

Of the 24 councillors, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has 18 members, five of which were nominated by the Minister of Local Government Slumber Tsogwane.

The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) have three councillors each.

Mpaphe told the councillors that the swearing-in ceremony preceded the workshop to induct them, which commences today (Tuesday) at the Tati River Lodge.

Equally, FCC deputy town clerk (Technical and Social Services), Robert Letlole told the councillors that a lot was expected from them by the public in the Francistown District.

“We expect you to deliver according to your promises and the expectations of the people,” he said.

Letlole also highlighted that because of the World Aids Day commemorations on December 1, the FCC will only be able to hold elections for the office of the mayor and deputy mayor on December 2 in a special full council meeting.

Of the 24 civic leaders, only nine of them are not new to the council procedures and processes. The old faces include Godfrey Kaelo, Baboni Mosalagae, Ephraim Maiketso, Ben Mpotokwane, Biki Mbulawa, Shadreck Nyeku, James Kgalajwe, Sylvia Muzila and Peter Ngoma.

As for Mosalagae, Muzila and Ngoma, they were not in the 2009-2014 council term. Mosalagae was previously a nominated councillor and Ngoma  is the former city mayor whilst Muzila sat in the FCC as an ex-officio member by virtue of being the then DC before her retirement.

Kaelo, Maiketso, Mpotokwane, Mbulawa, Nyeku and Kgalajwe were in the 2009-2014 council and the rest are newcomers.

For the first time, the public gallery was filled to capacity with an overflow as some members of the public had to sit on the floor to witness the swearing in ceremony.