Makhani vows to pave way for Maruje
Chakalisa Dube | Tuesday July 23, 2019 14:00
Makhani was speaking at his launch over the weekend that he would step aside for Maruje to contest for political office in the area.
“There is no doubt that Maruje possesses very good leadership qualities. I will be very willing to pave way for him if he wants to contest for parliamentary office in Tati West in future,” Makhani said to the applause of many UDC diehards who had attended the launch.
Asked for clarity after the launch Makhani said, “My offer will stand if he shows desire to contest under the UDC banner. I will openly allow him to contest because he is more than capable”.
Maruje is highly revered across the political divide for his eloquence and higher comprehension of various subjects including politics.
In 2016 it was widely speculated that he might join the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and contest the Tati West constituency. However, Maruje quickly shot down the speculation.
“There have been allegations that I had agreed to represent UDC and now it’s BDP, but I can tell you that there is no truth in that. I am happy as a Kgosi and I will remain a Kgosi dedicated to serve my people,” he had said at the time, in an interview with one of the local weekly newspapers.
Earlier on at the launch, UDC president Duma Boko also described Maruje as a man who has very sound leadership credentials.
It remains to be seen if Maruje will one day heed calls to join active politics. Should he do so he will be joining the likes of former president Ian Khama, Tawana Moremi and Kgosi Lotlamoreng II amongst others who ditched Bogosi for active politics.