One ward attracts eleven (11) Bulela Ditswe candidates
Kgosing Ward in Kanye East has attracted a record number of candidates for the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Bulela Ditswe elections, the majority of whom accuse the incumbent Councillor, Moratwa Dikole of failure to deliver services.
The Council candidates who spoke to The Midweek Sun said that Dikole has never advocated for anything major in Council and has never truly represented his constituents. The 11 candidates who showed interest in contesting the ward include Carlos Loeto, who withdrew from the race last week, Ndondo Wilfred Koolese, Simon Buti Ramaphoi, Moratwa Dikole, Erich Chelenyane, Lorato Khudung, Asego Mphitlhang, Candy Phologolo, Ryan Kgati, Nwafia Phemo Dinake, and Tshegofatso Gotsega.
In response to the wide criticism against him, the incumbent ward councillor reminded his detractors that he did not win the Ward by luck, but through hard work and was voted by people who believed in him. He expressed shock at the level of interest in his ward, saying that even a Councillor from as far away as Gasita has expressed interest in Kgosing Ward, abandoning his own.
Asked about his decision to withdraw from the Bulela Ditswe race for Kgosing Ward, Loeto, who is known for his community work, said his move was to encourage unity within the party.
"I see that people are no longer looking to represent the community; they are looking for jobs. I am not looking for a job but a platform to represent the community," he said. He described himself as a leader who will continue with many community projects.
"I am only withdrawing from the candidacy, not the party," he stated, adding that he initially decided to contest the ward because he was dissatisfied with the incumbent, Dikole, due to his lack of service delivery.
Asked why he decided to contest for the ward, Councillor for Gasita, Ramaphoi said that after 15 years in politics, he wishes for the next year to be his last.
"I was born and bred in Kanye, at Kgosing Ward. I only have a business in Gasita. I have decided to return to my village now," he said, adding that he transferred his membership card from Gasita to Kanye in 2022.
Ramaphoi said he went to school in Kanye and sees no issue in showing interest in Kgosing Ward.
"Even if the incumbent wins again, I will support him. It is not like I am against him, but I agree that he has shown no service delivery in his role as the ward councillor," Ramaphoi said.