18 Aug 2014

Prospective parliamentary candidate for Maun East, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile has been described as a youthful visionary and capable leader who can diligently represent the needs and aspirations of his constituents.

Thus, Botswana Congress Party (BCP) leader, Mr Dumelang Saleshando has appealed to electorates to vote for him and his council candidates in the October general elections.

Speaking at his launch on August 16, Mr Saleshando described Mr Kekgonegile as a true representative and an intellectual who took a difficult decision to resign from his work and opted to participate in politics because he was concerned about the challenges of the community.

“Mr Kekgonegile has a good record as his voice was heard while he was a leader of employees’ union. He argued freely and efficiently during difficult times to free employees hence the need to vote him in the coming elections. I have also included him in my shadow cabinet as a minister because he is capable”, he added 

Mr Saleshando also appealed to the public to vote his party into power on October 24, noting that they have plans in place to address challenges faced by the nation.

He said the BCP would improve the education system and create employment especially for the youth if voted in power. He said the education system under the leadership of the ruling party had declined especially in government schools while private schools are performing well.

BCP leader said his party believes in education with production adding that if they are given mandate to they would divide the ministry of Education, Skills and Development in two ministries. There would be a minister responsible for basic education while the other one would oversees higher education.

Mr Saleshando said BCP believed in basic education to consist of early childhood, primary, junior and secondary while higher education would consists of tertiary.

He said 2014 is the opportune time for BCP to take government and urged electorates not to waste time by casting their votes in favour of Botswana Democratic Party which he said it has failed Batswana.

Another speaker, MP for Francistown West, Dr Habaudi Hubona urged women to embrace change by voting BCP as it has proved to be the solution to their challenges.

She said they should make history this year by giving her party a chance to be a party to the economy noting that BCP is the first party to come up with affirmative action. She also revealed that BDP has failed women as it had not signed the SADC Gender Protocol for Development which aims at addressing issues faced by women.

For his part, Mr Kekgonegile said Batswana had made up their minds that this year they would vote in favour of BCP as it is ready to lead.

He said the party was built by leaders whose aim is to build a strong party for Batswana and not to enrich themselves. He urged residents to protect the image of the party and ensure it takes government in the coming elections. 

“This party was formed by our heroes such as the late Mr Mpho Motsamai who was eager to free Batswana hence we should follow his footsteps and ensure his goal is achieved come October 24”, he added.

Mr Kekgonegile urged electorates to vote him and his council candidates noting that given the chance he would ensure the protection of the beef industry in Ngamiland, manufacturing industries to curb high rate of unemployment and ensure fair distribution of resources and growth of local economy.

Furthermore, Mr Kekgonegile said he would advocate for sustainable youth empowerment schemes and market of youth projects and introduce living wage to workers. Ends