Toteng to take on Moswaane at BDP primaries
Chakalisa Dube | Tuesday July 26, 2016 16:03
Some high-ranking sources within the BDP have indicated that Toteng has confided to them that he is running for the primaries.
Toteng who of late has been visible at most BDP activities in the northern part of the country will most likely face the current Francistown-West Member of Parliament Ignatius Moswaane at the primaries.
Recently Toteng sponsored a tournament in Monarch location and those close to him believe that the tournament is one of the initiatives meant to position him for a triumph at the BDP primaries.
Monarch is one of the key areas in the Francistown West constituency, which is considered safe by the BDP.
In September last year Toteng sponsored another tournament at Monarch Phase Six, a move which, close sources, said also tallies with his dream to contest for the BDP primaries.
When contacted for comment, Toteng would not be drawn into discussing his interest in challenging Moswaane at the party primaries.
“I do not think it will be appropriate for me to discuss my reported interest for the primaries before the party invites members to express their candidacy. I will cross the bridge when I get there,” Toteng told Mmegi by telephone yesterday.
He also denied that he sponsored the two tournaments to enhance his campaign for the primaries.
“I am just giving back to the community through hosting the games. In fact, I have always been involved with running football in Monarch for many years so my sponsorship cannot be linked with my desire to contest the primaries,” said Toteng. While he may be unknown to many in the political sphere, Toteng cut his political teeth at GS-26 and is among those largely credited for leading a resurgence of the party at the University of Botswana in 2000 both as its secretary general and later on as chairman.
He has also served as secretary general of the UB SRC. He was one of those who formed Dr Margaret Nasha’s campaign team in Gaborone Central at the 2004 general elections.
Toteng has had stints as a freelance reporter at the Botswana Gazette, Mmegi, Sunday Standard among others. He also has a column that features regularly in the Weekend Post.