19 Mar 2017

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) women’s wing has re-elected Sefhare/Ramokgonami Member of Parliament, Ms Dorcas Makgato their chairperson in an election held in Maun on March 18.

Ms Makgato, who is also Minister of Health and Wellness, ascended to the position unopposed unlike two years ago where she had to fend off another potential candidate, Ms Tshepo Warreus.

The election also saw former Gaborone mayor, Ms Veronica Lesole trouncing Ms Kgalalelo Mokgweetsi by 335 votes to 163 to clinch the position of vice chairperson.

The contest for the position of secretary general was a close call as Ms Neo Maruapula triumphed over Ms Tshenolo Leshomo with 263 votes to 232, while Bridget Mavuma was unopposed for the position of deputy secretary general.

Ms Orefitlhetse Masire and Ms Pearl Markus were elected to positions of treasurer and vice treasurer respectively both unopposed in an electoral college of 524.

Also, 10 additional members were voted to the committee.

In her acceptance speech, the newly elected chairperson, Ms Makgato thanked BDP women for showing trust in her leadership after leading them for the past two years.

“My unopposed election is also an indication that BDP women have faith in me and they believe I have led them properly and with dignity for the last two years,” she said in an interview.

Ms Makgato promised to work hard and take everybody on board as the party heads to the 2019 general elections which she said would ensure victory.

She said some of the resolutions discussed during the closed congress proceedings included socio economic, legal and political structural issues, among others.

She said there was also discussion on women representation in Parliament and council level.

Ms Makgato further explained that the newly elected committee would look at socio economic issues to review programmes in place and those that government was thinking of to see how best they could be improved to benefit women.

In the resolutions, she said there was a discussion about gender based violence and believed the budget concerning the issue was low.

The issues discussed, Ms Makgato said were not only meant to improve the BDP women but all Batswana women.

She said BDP women were the backbone of party unity and could significantly contribute to its victory come 2019.

In his vote of thanks, Okavango MP, Mr Bagalatia Arone, advised BDP women that there were no winners and losers and therefore should work together and take the party forward.  

“You must use your energy to fight your opponents not to fight among yourselves,” MrArone said adding that factions were not healthy within the party. ENDS