UDC welcomes new members in Nata-Gweta

Chakalisa Dube | Thursday April 23, 2015 18:38

 

“That is why we decided to postpone the launch,” Gudu said. He further explained that the UDC was launching in the two areas as part of its strategy to position itself for a triumph in future elections as well as reviving party structures.

The UDC, a coalition of the Botswana People’s Party (BPP) Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and Botswana National Front (BNF) has so far launched in areas such a Francistown, Maun and Gaborone, among others. The first UDC launch was in Gaborone late in 2012 just months after the three parties agreed to form a coalition.

Traditionally, the Nata-Gweta is a BDP stronghold while the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has also made headways into the area. “We will also be welcoming some members at the two launches,” Gudu revealed.

UDC leader Duma Boko, his deputy Ndaba Gaolathe as well as chairman Motlatsi Molapise are expected to be the main speakers at the launch, according to Gudu.

The launch in Nata will be on Saturday afternoon while in Sowa it will take place on Sunday morning.

It has been widely speculated that among those who will be welcomed by the UDC include Joe Linga who contested and lost the Nata-Gweta constituency in the last general elections.

However, Linga who is said to be a reputable businessman in Nata, noted that he was not yet ready to join the coalition parties.

“ I can only join the UDC if the three parties decide to merge and form one party. The parties will be going to their congresses in July and if they decide to form one party I will join them,” he argued.

He explained that though he liked the concept of the three parties, he felt that it was not sustainable for them to run as separate entities. He further highlighted that he was helping the UDC prepare for the weekend launch.

“ I have been helping them with logistics such as transport and have advised some of them (UDC members) in the past.

“Maybe that is why some people believe I have joined them.”

Sources within the UDC have indicated that the coalition, through the BPP is targeting Linga because he is believed to be a suitable candidate to help the party build its structures in the area.

The UDC, according to insiders at the UDC also sees Linga as a potential candidate for the next general elections.

Linga, who was an independent candidate, came third in the 2014 general elections with 2,031. 

The eventual winner, BDP’s Polson Majaga polled 3,424 votes while second-placed Ditiro Majadibodu of the BCP garnered 2,954 votes.