07 Sep 2014

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has implored Bobonong constituents to vote Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) prospective parliamentary candidate, Mr Shaw Kgathi because he is a capable leader.

Speaking during a star rally in Bobonong on September 4, President Khama said acting Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Kgathi had a proven track record as he excelled at the Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture, where during his tenure the country improved in the sporting activities.

He said it was through the leadership of Mr Kgathi that many athletes won medals at different international competitions. Besides, his dual role as MP and minister, he said Mr Kgathi had excelled as he fully advocated for developments in the area.

President Khama said BDP would continue to bring developments in the area and cited Thune Dam as one the developments in the area and that more would be done. 

President Khama said Bobonong constituency was a BDP stronghold, but members should not relax, but vote in large numbers during the October 24 General Elections.

He pleaded with voters to keep their Omang cards safe as there were some people with evil intent of hiding people’s cards to deny them a chance to vote. 

As for those that left BDP after losing in the primary elections and became independent candidates, President Khama said they did not have the interest of the party at heart, but were only after power. “BDP central committee has taken a decision not to accommodate such people back into the party,” he said.

“An independent candidate is worse than an opposition member and BDP would welcome an opposition member than Mokoko,” he stated. 

President Khama, who also welcomed 55 members from Botswana Congress Party (BCP) said during primary elections members elect people and during general elections they vote for the party irrespective of whether they like candidates or not.

“We continue to welcome members from opposition parties. The party also welcomed over 2 000 members from Botswana National Front from Ngwaketse South and other constituencies,” he said.

For his part, Mr Kgathi said people should continue voting for BDP to preserve the programmes which were relevant to the needs of the nation. 

In spite of the propaganda peddled by opposition parties and the social media, he said President Khama had been recognised by reputable international organisations for his leadership style. 

Mr Kgathi mentioned the recent survey carried by Gallup Organisation, which indicated that 81 per cent of Batswana approved President Khama’s role of handling his job as a President. 

Campaign manager for the constituency, Mr Nathaniel Moribame described President Khama as a transparent and transformational leader, who was loved by Batswana and the outside world. Ends