I�m Not Bitter � Former Mayor
Lebogang Baingapi | Monday May 22, 2017 15:34
Though he was contesting for the seat, Oodira-Kwenje lost by four councillors to five in favour of Monkge.
He said he has done a lot for Jwaneng and he does not regret anything and he will continue to give service to the community of Jwaneng.
“The house has spoken. I did my job and I will continue to solve labour related issues and leave administrative ones to the new mayor. I was prepared psychologically for any outcome and I pledge my support to the new mayor,” he said.
He however noted that he was not voted out because he failed but he committed to fight corruption in Jwaneng.
He further said the house made history by voting for two political parties for the Mayor and deputy to lead the town. Oodira-Kwenje was endorsed by his former deputy Kruger Chepete, BDP’s Benjamin Bakwena and another BDP councillor Boyson Morwamang.
Monkge was nominated by fellow UDC councillors Bankinyana Montsiemang, Ronicah Ntsimako, and Lydia Warona. Monkge, who is a staunch member of the Botswana National Front (BNF) of the UDC, has held the post of deputy mayor before.The councillors made history by voting for a specially elected councillor woman from the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Olga Ditsie to the post of deputy mayor.
Ditsie nominated unopposed. Though the former deputy mayor Kruger Chepete declared his interest to contest for the seat, he did not submit his name for nomination.
Both Monkge and Ditsie pledged to work together despite their political differences and move the town forward. They pleaded for support from fellow councillors.
“This win is for women as we recently celebrated Mother’s Day. I am grateful because you also demonstrated commitment by voting a woman a few days after the signing of the revised SADC Gender Protocol,” said Ditsie.