24 Jun 2023

Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) president Advocate Duma Boko has called on Mmaphula East ward electorates to vote for Mr Mompoloki Mohutsiwa in the Saturday bye-election.

Addressing electorates at a star rally in Palapye on Friday, Advocate Boko said Mr Mohutsiwa was young and had potential to bring change in the area as councillor.

He said having been raised in the area, Mr Mohutsiwa understood the challenges experienced in the area and the ways best to address them. He said as a young person, he also represented the youth as he knew their needs.

The UDC president said the lives of Batswana had not improved under the ruling BDP.

He explained that the country had the potential to set up industries that could create employment, adding that the nation was currently experiencing shortage of jobs, especially for the youth of which some were graduates.

He promised that if voted into power, the UDC would create 100 000 jobs in 12 months, which could be achieved through setting up industries in Palapye.

Further, Advocate Boko, went on to state that the UDC would increase the old age pension to P1 500 and student allowance to P2 500.

He also indicated that the minimum wage for employees on the A3 scale would be increased to P3 000.

Also speaking at the rally, Mr Leepetswe Lesedi, who is Serowe South MP said the scarcity of jobs especially for the youth was a great challenge in society.

He said the BDP had failed to improve the lives of Batswana, saying the party made empty promises in the last general election.

Palapye MP, Mr Onnetse Ramogapi said it was time for change and called on residents to vote for the opposition party.

He said Mr Mohutsiwa was a young Motswana who had great potential to improve residents’ lives, noting that he had been volunteering to assist elders and the less privileged people in Mmaphula.

For his part, Mr Mohutsiwa, promised to advocate for developments in the area saying the ward was lagging behind.

He said he was concerned about bad roads, lack of drugs in health facilities and unemployment.

He promised to work with other councilors to develop Palapye.

He said his intention was to advocate for council partnership with private companies and NGOs to develop Palapye district.

Mmaphula East ward council seat fell vacant following the death of Mr Gagoope Sebina who was the area councillor through the Botswana Democratic Party ticket.  Ends