22 Aug 2019

Two Kanye North prospective parliamentary candidates, Mr Thapelo Letsholo of  Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and Mr Otlaadisa Koosaletse of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) have requested  electorates to vote for them during the 2019 general election.

The two candidates made the requests during live Radio Botswana debates  at Seepapitso Senior Secondary School on August 21.

Mr Letsholo, who described himself as a businessman, with immense experience in marketing, communications and public relations,  promised to address challenges of water shortage, and hospital issues affecting Kanye.

He said as a way of addressing  unemployment challenges affecting the youth, he had identified Bathoen Sanctuary Trust as a potential platform to address the challenge, adding that he had therefore consulted with the institution to find ways of creating employment for the youth.

He said they were looking at attracting high profile formula 1 championships, which is a premier form of racing. 

He noted that the race had a potential to revitalise the village, thereby providing employment. 

He noted that Bangwaketse had vast land which remained unutilised adding that such land could be utilised  to lure investors such as Formula 1 to their village.

“I have previously worked for Debswana and as such have a vast experience in business environment,” he said. 

He also said all his work experience had prepared him to work at a level  he aspired to be and was ready to serve.

He noted that if elected, he could be the catalyst for transformation in Kanye North constituency. 

He indicated that, the constituency needed an energetic representative, who was in tune with the needs and aspirations of voters. 

“This is exactly what I will bring to the constituency. My intention is to consistently and continuously be available to all constituents through such forums as kgotla,” he said.

He however noted that from various interactions with the residents of Kanye North, he observed that there was need for more communication platforms that would form additional contact points with the Member of Parliament.

He noted that in addition to availing himself to constituents, he had an ambition to set up a call center and develop a mobile application that all, especially young generation could utilise to communicate with their MP any time.

He noted that, he believed in working as a team and as such would be prepared to take advice and would be committed to working with the village leadership, businesses, private sector and parastatals in addressing issues affecting the constituency.

For his part, the Mr Koosaletse said if elected, he would implement the manifesto of the UDC, as it was straightforward, with key pledges which included increasing the old age pension allowances and living wage, as well as provision of sanitary pads..

“We have set the agenda and we are ready to advocate for these pledges,” he said.

 He said he had immense history in politics, having previously served as the Member of Parliament for Lobatse. 

He said for the 53 years that BDP had been in power, it had failed to construct a referral hospital in Kanye and commended Seventh Day Adventist church for having stood strong at addressing the health challenges of the village.

He noted that it had proven that the hospital was not a priority for the ruling party as it was also not as per their policy as BDP, adding that UDC was ready to build the hospital in Kanye.

He noted that to address the challenges of unemployment, his party would identify and create Special Economic Zone in Kanye as it had potential to attract investors into the village.

He noted that if implemented it could create employment, adding that it would  be focused on two components, being agriculture and Diamond Park. 

He also said there were no access roads at Ranaka and Lekgolobotlo, which he said  was one of the things that proved that  BDP was unable to develop the lives of Batswana,

“BDP has neglected the people and as such there is need for affirmative action, which we are committed to implement as UDC, because such neglect have caused a major setback resulting in lack of infrastructure in Botswana,” he said.

 

Kanye North has 6 wards, namely Ranaka, Kanye, Moshaneng, Kgomokasitwa, Ntlhantle and Lekgolobotlo. ENDS