AP Fancies State Power
Innocent Selatlhwa | Monday June 17, 2019 15:21
This is despite the fact that the party has never done well in any by-election it took part in nor has it gathered a convincing crowd for their rallies compared to Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
‘Progressives’ including their president Ndaba Gaolathe gathered in Molepolole over the weekend to launch their Molepolole South candidate Shima Monageng and his council candidates.
Deriving from the theme of its manifesto, AP believes it will deliver a new Botswana in October and caution against doubt.
“AP has been blessed with the light of God to do things in a proper way. I believe this party is just like Joseph.
The same party they say cannot achieve anything will win power,” Gaolathe said.
Gaolathe said he believes this is possible since the party does not belong to anyone. He said they are a national party representing interests of all those who want to see a new Botswana.
He added AP is a truthful party, which will transform lives once voted into power.
Speaking about the candidate, Gaolathe said Monageng was not seeking political office for his benefit as he is well off.
“He has decided to give his life to serve the people and deliver a new Botswana.
He and his councillors give me courage that if we work hard together we will deliver a new Botswana,” he said.
AP Council of Elders chairperson, Pako Keokilwe said it is not far-fetched that they could attain state power as they did well for UDC as then Botswana Movement for Democracy members.
“A new Botswana is indeed possible.
I stand to assure that as elders in the party believe that the party is fit to take power in October. We were doubted when we were given 14 constituencies under the UDC,” said Keokilwe.
“We surprised many as we won nine of the constituencies translating to 65%. We have 40 candidates this time around and if we work as hard we can reach 26 constituencies while others would share 31 seats. It would give us a hung Parliament.”
Keokilwe said it was not true that AP does not want to cooperate with others.
He said they could not be working with people who are fighting. He said they are a strong party on their own and will conquer in October.
Women’s wing president, Margaret Nasha said the ruling party (BDP) has to apologise for having cheated Monageng for 20 years. “Every five years they cheated him during the primary elections. They now tell us that they wish you were their candidate,” she said.
Nasha said the BDP also has to apologise for the closure of the BCL Mine leading to some employees committing suicide. Nasha also slammed the BDP for sitting on the PEMANDU report after spending millions on the consultants. She said the government should apologise to civil servants for this.
For his part, Monageng who joined the AP early this year said his capabilities could be attested to by anyone in Molepolole.
“We have many challenges as if we do not have government.
We have a lot of problems in Molepolole, which need capable people like myself,” he said.
“You know of my contributions including that of the existence of Mafenyatlala Mall. I also resuscitated KRDA. I present myself before you to develop Molepolole.”
Monageng said he and his council candidates will ensure that developments come to Molepolole.
He said they would address the water shortage situation in Molepolole and also ensure installation of the sewerage system in the peri-urban village.
He also said he will fight unemployment and help grow the creative industries sector.