07 May 2024

The leader of Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Mr Dumelang Saleshando, has appealed to voters in the Francistown East constituency to vote for the BCP parliamentary candidate, Mr Vain Mamela and his team of council candidates.

Addressing a political rally to launch Mr Mamela and his team on Sunday, Mr Saleshando described Mr Mamela as a selfless and dedicated politician who has the best interests of his constituents at heart.

Mr Saleshando described Mr Mamela as a model of selfless public service, citing his tireless work in the community and commitment to advancing the interests of his constituents.

Mr Saleshando said: “Vain Mamela is a rare breed of politician.

“He is driven not by personal ambition, but by a genuine desire to improve the lives of those he represents. His actions speak louder than any words of praise I can offer.”

The BCP leader took aim at the incumbent Botswna Democratic Party (BDP) government, accusing them of neglecting the needs of Batswana for far too long.

“The BDP has been in power for decades, and what do we have to show for it?’ he asked the crowd. “A government that is more concerned with maintaining its grip on power than with improving the lives of its citizens.”

Mr Saleshando lamented the dire economic situation facing many Batswana under the BDP’s watch.

“How many of you know someone who is struggling to pay their debts? How many of you have seen poverty in your own communities? This is the legacy of the BDP government, a legacy of economic inequality and hardship that we must put an end to once and for all.”

Mr Caterpillar Hikuama, the MP fopr Ngami, took to the stage to offer his glowing endorsement of Mr Mamela as a leader of substance and integrity.

“Vain Mamela is not just a candidate, he is a leader,’ he declared. “I have seen first hand his commitment to his community, his tireless work ethic, and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those around him.”

Mr Hikuama outlined some of the BCP’s key policy proposals, including the introduction of unemployment benefits and an increase in the Old Age pension allowances.

“The BCP has a bold vision for the future of Botswana, one that prioritises the welfare and well being of our citizens,” he said. Mr Hikuama emphasised that the BCP is the only party with a comprehensive manifesto that puts the needs of Batswana first.

“Other parties may make promises but only the BCP has put forward a concrete plan to address the issues facing our country,” he said.  Mr Hikuama lauded Mr Mamela’s previous tenure as an MP under the BNF, pointing to his achievements as a clear indication of his ability to deliver for her constituents.

“Mr Mamela has proven himself to be an effective legislator. During his time as MP for Francistown West, he worked tirelessly to advance the interests of his constituency,” he ended.

Speaking at the event, Mr Thabologo Furniture, who is the BCP candiadte for Tati East Constituency, underscored the party’s commitment to representing the interests of Batswana. “We in the BCP believe that government should work for the people, not the other way around,” he said.

He praised Mr Mamela as an asset to the BCP, citing his track record and an unwavering commitment to his community as reasons why voters should elect him in Francistown East.

“Vain Mamela has a passion for service that is rare among politicians,” he said. “He understands the challenges facing his constituents, and he has the experience and dedication to make real, lasting change in Francistown East.” Mr Furniture expressed his belief that the BDP government has become stagnant and out of touch, making it necessary for voters to choose an alternative.

He said: “The BDP has been in power for far too long. They have become complacent, unable to respond to the changing needs of our country,” he added.

He said prominent members of the BDP have left the party, including former president, Lt General Ian Khama, and his siblings, suggesting that the BDP is no longer the party it once was.

“When the very family of the party’s founder turns their backs on the BDP, it is a sign that things are not right,” he said.

For his part, Mr Mamela promised the people of Francistown East fair representation when voted into Parliament, come October this year. He said the Francistown East constituency is one of the constituencies that is lagging behind in development ENDS