Robert Molefhabangwe bids to return to Parliament
Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Gaborone West South Robert Molefhabangwe is returning to political activism in 2024 after a 10-year long political hiatus.
The Shoshong native who was MP for Gaborone West from 1999 to 2009, cut his political teeth in the BNF as a youth activist in 1975 at the age of 18.
Although many considered him one of the finest-ever MPs in this country with his well-researched motions, Molf, as he is affectionately known, would soon fall out with the Otsweletse Moupo-led BNF following accusations of indiscipline, one of which was that he had the tendency to criticise his party publicly.
The fallout culminated in his ejection from the party in 2009. Perhaps out of desperation, the hitherto BNF ideologue joined the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in 2011 only to return to the BNF the next year.
Although the ruling party welcomed him, it never gave him a membership card which, to him, suggested that he was not welcome into the party.
“This did not bother me because I still managed to discover what I had wanted to discover in the BDP,” said the former MP without elaborating.
Molefhabangwe added that he and the BDP members had very little to talk about because they “did not speak the same language.” He did not contest both the 2014 and 2019 general elections.
“I am ready for the 2024 general elections,” Molf declared, but did not say if he will stand as an Independent or if he will be affiliated to any of the opposition parties.
He does not agree with those who consider him too old to return to political activism.
“The constitution of Botswana states the minimum age within which one can go to parliament. That age is 18 years. It does not say anything about the maximum age.
“Health-wise, I believe I still have at least 25 years of political activism. My brain is still alive and very active,” said the 66-year old Molefhabangwe.
Molf, who is already mobilising support for his bid to return to Parliament, recalled that there were several legislators who were well into their 70s when he was an MP, and their age did not limit them in terms of quality representation.
“One of the requirements is for the candidate to be a citizen of this country, which I am,” explained Molefhabangwe, who feels that the need for youth leadership should not be over-sold.
"Quality and maturity are of essence. As we speak, our parliament is full of the youth. Sadly, parliament has become a playing ground,” he lamented before adding that, “For emphasis, I want to state that, I am mentally, intellectually, academically and scholarly very capable.”
According to him, he is not imposing himself on the people. “The people of Shoshong want me to represent them in parliament. The constituency needs a very strong MP and the people believe I fit the bill.
“I grew up with them and they know me. Shoshong is a very old village but is so underdeveloped. We have got problems with water. This is despite the fact that the central and northern districts boast of at least six dams.
“Regarding electricity, we do not have a single streetlight here. There is shortage of primary schools in Shoshong,” stated the aspirant.
Shortage of water means that people cannot water their backyard gardens. Molf blames the backwardness of the constituency on weak leadership in parliament.
If elected, he would advocate for the construction of schools for the disabled members of the community.
“Besides, libraries will have infrastructure that is friendly to the disabled citizens so that they get entrenched into the society with ease,” said Molefhabangwe, who is saddened by the toxic engagement in the opposition.
“There is just too much political intolerance within the opposition ranks. There is just too much disrespect for one another,” Molefhabangwe said.
He is of the view that opposition party leaders have not been role models thus far.