Muzila vies for Gaborone Bonnington South
Parliamentary candidate for the Gaborone Bonnington South Constituency, Montwedi Muzila, representing the alliance between the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and Botswana Labour Party (BLP), is fully prepared for the political challenge ahead.
Despite the setbacks he faces, Muzila remains undeterred. He persists in his efforts, tirelessly engaging in door-to-door campaigns, aiming to present himself as the most suitable candidate to win the constituency from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party.
He believes that under the BCP-BLP Alliance, Botswana can see improvements across all sectors, including economy, politics, social welfare, judiciary, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Botswana needs to move away from the cycle of presidential vendettas it currently faces, he says.
Explaining why he chose to run for office, Muzila who currently serves as the Publicity Secretary in the Central Committee of the BLP, stated that he had previously tried to instigate a shift in mindset within Botswana society through publications. His aim was to encourage those in power to act ethically and effectively, but unfortunately, this hope hasn't materialised. Therefore, he has decided to take matters into his own hands by running for office, allowing him to directly advocate for the principles he believes in within Parliament.
He suggests that one of the primary concerns is to reform the Constitution to reflect the people's aspirations, such as introducing direct presidential elections, reducing presidential powers, and ensuring independence and full autonomy of oversight institutions like the DCEC, Auditor General, DPP, IEC, and the courts.
Moreover, he emphasises the importance of the government initiating collective investment schemes, allowing ordinary citizens and other entities to purchase shares. Addressing corruption is crucial to redirect public funds towards improving healthcare, roads, schools, shelters for domestic abuse victims, and providing better wages for civil servants.
For the past twenty years, he has been advocating for governmental reforms, believing that improving the government is crucial for enhancing the lives of all Batswana. Muzila is well read, a holder of Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Environmental Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), and a Master of Science degree (MSc) in Environmental Science (with research focusing on energy supply and pollution).
He has previously served as a Physics Teacher at Naledi Senior Secondary School and as a Tutor in the Department of Physics at the University of Botswana (UB). Currently, he works as a Technician in the Department of Physics at UB while also running a social enterprise named 'Star Academy Tutors'. Muzila has also authored several independent analytical reports.
Speaking about the constituency and its aspirations, Muzila highlighted its diverse urban population, which includes the working class, middle class, tertiary students, SMME operators, job seekers, and out-of-school youths. Despite their differences, they all share a common desire for better governance in Botswana, recognising it as essential for progress.
The constituency has previously elected Robert Molefhabangwe as its Member of Parliament, who tabled numerous well-researched motions to combat corruption in Parliament. The constituency strongly opposes corruption and malpractice, and Muzila has pledged to “continue this crusade”. The Gaborone Bonnington South Constituency also aims for improvements in amenities such as internal roads, street lighting, storm water drainage systems, more schools, better healthcare services, well-maintained public parks, and open spaces. Enhanced policing and continuous patrols in all areas are essential to curb rising crime rates.
He said in addition to advocating for these developments, Muzila will tirelessly lobby for the complete reconstruction of the Gaborone Bus Rank as a national flagship project, designed with aesthetics similar to major airports. He also aims to promote the development of the Kgale Hill area into a diversified tourism and recreation destination.
Muzila identifies as a lobbyist for good governance, with a focus on socio-economic matters. He actively opposes corruption, nepotism, insider networks, and inefficiency, while advocating for adherence to Botswana's existing moral standards.