23 Sep 2014

The Leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change, Mr Duma Boko has implored electorate in the Tonota South constituency to vote for Mr Pono Moatlhodi in the October 24 general elections.

Speaking at the launch of Mr Moatlhodi as the parliamentary candidate for Tonota South on Sunday, September 21 Mr Boko said Mr Moatlhodi was not only familiar with the needs of the constituents but also represented a party that has better programmes and policies.

He noted that once his party attained power it will make sure there are adequate resources such as libraries in public schools as way a way of improving the ever decline academic performance in such schools.

Mr Boko said in addition to the availability of resources his party will ensure the proper accommodation and better salaries for the teachers.

He criticised the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) for failure to provide protective clothing to Ipelegeng workers yet they work under conditions that necessitate for such.

UDC’s head of mobilisation and also Francistown South prospective parliamentary candidate, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said Mr Moatlhodi’s victory in the general elections will be a clear signs of democracy.

He said the BDP favours incapable candidates which is the opposite of what UDC advocates for. 

Mr Mmolotsi said Tonota South constituency needed people of Moatlhodi’s caliber who were not afraid to die for the needs of the people he represented.

He once his party attained power it will create employment opportunities and ensures availability of drugs in public hospitals.

Mr Mmolotsi said his party will utilise the funds used for Ipelegeng to create permanent jobs citing that the P600 million allocated for the programmne in the current financial year could have been used to create 30 000 permanent jobs.

He alleged that the BDP was deliberately failing to empower Batswana because once empowered it would be difficult for it to control them.

UDC Deputy Secretary General, Mr Richard Gudu said his party will make sure electricity was availed at cheaper tariffs to Batswana by having multiple distributors.

He said having a sole distributor in the form of Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) encourages monopoly and increased tariffs.

Tonota South UDC branch chairman, Mr Joe Matsuane said he was confident that Tonota South and all its nine council wards will be among the constituencies that his party wins during the general elections.

For his part, Mr Moatlhodi said though he started campaigning very late he was optimistic that he will do well.

He applauded Mr Boko for uniting the Botswana National Front adding that previously the party divided when elections approached and since Mr Boko took over the party has recorded growth.

He pleaded with voters to elect him and promised that once voted he will advocate for the introduction of degree courses at the Tonota College of Education.

Mr Moatlhodi said he has a vast experience in political representation and will take the constituency to higher levels. ENDS