From athletics track to freedom square

However, Kebaitse has traded in track and field for political office ambitions on the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) ticket. Staff Writer, CALISTUS KOLANTSHO reports (BLURB)

Kebaitse made history when he emerged victorious in the Lentsweletau-Lephepe constituency at the ruling BDP primary elections (Bulela-Ditswe). He garnered 1,358 votes against five other hopefuls including the then Member of Parliament and Assistant Minister of Education, Nnaniki Makwinja. He told Mmegi that he was the first person from Lentsweletau to be a BDP parliamentary candidate for the area. “I am a man of many firsts. I negotiated and brought Nike as a technical sponsor for the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA). I was the BAA secretary-general in two different terms, World athletics referee and the first Photo Finish judge from Botswana. I officiated in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, and South Africa in youth, junior, and senior athletics competitions. I remain the sole official to ever be chief official in Pole Vault major games from Botswana,” he said. Kebaitse said he decided to run for political office because he believes that he can play a critical role in eradicating poverty that has gripped the constituency, fighting youth unemployment, extending tourism beneficiation in the constituency and uplifting the socio-economic welfare.