03 Sep 2024

Election season is  looming and as such parliamentary candidates are vying for a seat in the Takatokwane constituency. 

They are stepping up their campaigns, utilising various platforms to secure voter support through a live debate on Radio Botswana.

The prospective parliamentary candidates featured Messrs Jacob Kelebeng of the Umbrella Democratic Change (UDC), incumbent MP Tshoganetso Leuwe representing the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Witness Keboatlholetswe of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Thomas Batlhophi of the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), and Steven Kelateletswe from the Botswana Republican Party (BRP).

Mr Leuwe positioned himself as the ideal choice for the electorate, emphasising his track record of delivering results. 

He cited his successful advocacy for the construction of the Letlhakeng-Kaudwane road as evidence of his effectiveness, noting that the government has appointed a Development Manager to oversee the project.

Addressing health sector challenges, Mr Leuwe stated that his party was committed to improving the distribution of medical drugs and was considering local manufacturing of medications. 

He plans to present a motion during the current parliamentary session aimed at transferring clinics back to local governments to enhance healthcare service delivery.

On economic policies, Mr Leuwe advocated for import restrictions to bolster local industries, arguing that measures like the vegetable importation restriction have revitalised both the farming and retail sectors, creating job opportunities in the process. He acknowledged the global issue of land scarcity but assured constituents that the BDP would manage this critical resource responsibly.

Challenging Mr Leuwe’s incumbency, Mr Kelebeng pledged to prioritise economic growth and job creation, should he be elected. He emphasised the importance of Agritech advancements and proposed price regulation for the beef industry.

Additionally, he highlighted the need for citizen beneficiation from Botswana’s mining sector, while committing to decent salaries for employees and enhanced national community services.

Mr Kelebeng also advocates for free sanitary pads for students and ensuring access to electricity and water, along with a strong endorsement for STEM education.

Mr Keboatlholetswe addressed economic concerns, promising to tackle the deficit and inflation crisis if elected. 

He emphasized the need for better accessibility to healthcare, aiming to make long travels to clinics a thing of the past, along with plans for improved water reticulation services in the constituency.

Mr Batlhophi stressed the importance of quality healthcare, pointing to the urgent need for proper staffing and resources in the education sector.

He committed to providing teachers with necessary training and ensuring that educational facilities are equipped with adequate laboratories and tools.

 He also voiced support for developing rehabilitation centers to nurture talent in the community.

Lastly, Mr Kelateletswe focused on job creation, promising to advocate for an unemployment survey to better address the issue should he take office.  He proposed that the office of the ombudsman report directly to Parliament to ensure greater accountability. Ends