Rammidi Sobs After A Woman's Shout

RYDER GABATHUSE
Staff Writer | Monday September 6, 2010 00:00

 

The man who successfully managed the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) campaign to retain the Tonota North parliamentary seat in a by-election over the weekend burst into tears after a woman shouted: 'Lela Rammidi (Cry Rammidi'.) As if on cue, the Assistant Minister who has been camping in Tonota North broke into tears after shouting: 'I have travelled the length and breadth of the Tonota North constituency. We have a serious challenge even after retaining the constituency to reverse the troubles of the youth'.

Just as Rammidi's sobs faded, another Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Local Government, Botlogile Tshireletso quipped: 'I know what is bothering Rammidi' without elaboration. The BDP MP designate for Tonota North, Fidelis Molao chipped by saying: 'Rammidi has witnessed the challenges facing the youth as I took him across the area. I have also communicated the plight of the youth here with President (Ian) Khama recently'. At the press conference at a packed Chamabona Junior Secondary School classroom, it was visible Rammidi, one of the tough talking BDP politicians was seriously touched by what he has seen in the area. He was not content with the fact that the BDP has retained the seat. He will be pleased to see the lives of the many youth roaming the dusty streets of Tonota North improving.

Before he was overcome by emotion, Rammidi had pointed out that he was going to compile a comprehensive report on what he has witnessed to his principals, with a hope that among others President Khama would ensure that something is done expeditiously for Tonota youth. He indicated that while he appreciated the assistance from the many youth in the constituency he was touched by the fact that the majority of those who tirelessly worked for the party were not gainfully engaged.

It was clear that if Rammidi could be hurt by the plight of the youth in the area to the extent of crying, then he must have seen something very unusual in his entire career as a politician. But in his response to questions posed by the press, he contradicted himself about the troubles of the youth in the area. He said that the problems young people face in Tonota North are not peculiar because the situation is the same across the country.

He promised that the BDP will fight youth poverty by introducing young people to various economic programmes. He promised to make his efforts national.

After the tearful performance by Rammidi, Molao said he will speak about the problems of the youth in his first speech in Parliament.

He oozed confidence that he will have the support of other MPs. Other speakers who addressed the press conference included member of the BDP strategic team, Vincent Seretse, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Tonota South MP, Pono Moatlhodi, BDP secretary general Thato Kwerepe, BDP Youth Wing secretary general, Alec Seanetso.