31 Jan 2022

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Chairman, Mr Slumber Tsogwane has appealed to democrats to keep their trust in the party and its democratic ideals.

When launching BDP council candidate for Ledumadumane East, Mr Thato Kgwatalala on Saturday, Mr Tsogwane, who is also the Vice President, regretted the passing of Councillor Otlaadisa “Jimmy Brown” Kgwatalala.

He said following the tragedy, the party allowed the constituents their democratic right to choose their preferred candidate through “Bulela Ditswe”, and respected their choice.

Mr Tsogwane reminded the BDP faithful and constituents that they voted for the BDP in the past general elections because they believed in its programmes.

He thus requested them to continue their unwavering support for the party to enable it to deliver on its promises to Batswana. He urged them to vote for Mr Thato Kgwatalala, to ensure continuity of programmes that his late father started in the ward.

He said the BDP still stood by its 2019 manifesto promises, which included a review of the constitution.

Mr Tsogwane said the government would continue to support citizen empowerment initiatives, and citing among others the recent restrictions on importation of some vegetables to support the Buy Botswana campaign.

The BDP party chairman said their candidate was a responsible and able individual, who fitted the ward councilor position as hand to glove.

He also reminded voters that Mr Kgwatalala was well versed with the BDP culture, which sets a road map for national developments.

For his part, the BDP Secretary General Mr Mpho Balopi said the BDP values were anchored on inclusiveness and it remained the only party, which had and continued to carry out Vision 2036 aspirations.

MP for Mogoditshane, Mr Tumiso Rakgare said Mr Kgwatalala was youthful and energetic, therefore he was fit to represent the ward well, adding that he had no doubt that the BDP would emerge victorious on Saturday.

He advised the candidate to respect his constituents as well as the party leadership, to have a fruitful political career.

Meanwhile, Mr Kgwatalala accepted the assignment and set out maintenance of internal roads, storm water drainage, land and water distribution as his priorities.

Ledumadumane East bye-elections, which folows from the death of the former councilor last year October, will be held on February 05. ENDS