The recruitment of James Mathokgwane to SPEDU

Once in a while, I would tease them about it especially when I sent them to deliver anything related to the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). My relationship with Mathokgwane has never been threatened by our political differences. He was a political demagogue. A rubble rouser! His charisma during our UB days reminded me of Paul Rantao, Maitshwarelo Dabutha and Daniel Kwelagobe. They had a way with people and often seemed to resonate with ordinary people.

The other, of a similar mould is Duma Boko. He is an orator of note. He is also my friend. We agreed on many things except our political homes. Mathokgwane, who almost became a priest in the Catholic Church arrived at University of Botswana (UB) with no reputation, at least for the first six months. We stayed at the famous Block 479 in UB. This was a block full of boys from government public schools who had just finished Tirelo Sechaba. Some like Raza Chitita were new to the city. He was fascinated by escalators at Cash Bazaar in the Main Mall. He would go there for a joy ride. This was the year 1994. I had served my national service as a teacher in Kasane.