Chillyboy: from chillie mouth to angelic vision

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Monday August 30, 2010 00:00

He says this was never a problem because his mother wore hats for both mother and father and taught him a lot of things a man needs to know. As a youngster, Chillyboy was naughty just like most children his age. He says he is glad that his naughtiness never led him into serious trouble because he always knew his boundaries. 'I never stole, drank, smoked or engaged in extremely unruly behaviour that could have led me to serious trouble,' he said.  The 26 years old Chillyboy is self-made.

When he first approached programmes manager for Yarona fm, Owen Rampha, for a job as a sports presenter, Chillyboy says he only had a single pair of shoes and a few clothes in his wardrobe. Nonetheless, he made it a point to do something related to the sport he loves. In his first few months at Yarona fm, he co-presented the show 'Lobebe La Kgwele' with Comfort 'Bigfish' Ramatebele who has since moved to Gabz fm.  As much as some people may think Bigfish is responsible for Chillyboy's success he denies it and claims that he never learnt anything from him. There is, however, a price to pay for success. He was once accused of embezzling P80,000 from the University of Botswana (UB) Freshers' Ball in 2009 when he was student representative council (SRC) president. The ordeal did not shake him at all though he was compelled to resign.  He criticises the Botswana National Front. Growing up in a BNF aligned family, he felt it was right to follow the family tradition.

'Just like what happened with the SRC, there is a lot of backstabbing in the party, which has seen good leaders such as former BNF president, Outsweletse Moupo, being forced to step down because some people around him weren't willing to support him,' he said.

Chillyboy has joined the Botswana Democratic Party. He is an additional member for the National Youth Executive Committee.

He is a friend of President, Ian Khama. Chillyboy says that joining the BDP had nothing to do with Khama. He said that he feels BDP policies on agriculture and sport are 'tangible'.

'I have met with Khama on several occasions to discuss matters relating to sport, and I must say the man has got brilliant ideas,' he said.

Chillyboy said he is not a fan of the presidents' constituency league initiatives. He said the initiative would have been more viable if it targeted development. 'The money used for the league could have been used to improve youngsters so we can produce stars for our national team,' he said. About the BMD, Chillyboy said the party was formed out of emotion and not proper planning. 'BMD has no proper policies, which is why I would never consider it a real party,' he said.  Chillyboy attacked Members of Parliament, Patrick Masimolole and Phillip Makgalemele: 'These are people who are in politics not to serve the interests of people but for their stomachs,' he said. 'Where were they going in the first place?' he asked.

Relaxing, Chillyboy says he is celebrating fatherhood. He has a two month old baby boy, Lerako Rakgari, whom he had with the love of his life, Hilda Makanda.  He doesn't know where he will be in five years. He does not rule out the possibility of becoming a full-time politician. He said in 2012 he will stand as a candidate for the NYEC presidency. 

'After that I'll stand for higher office such as member of parliament so I can represent people and also push Botswana sports,' he said