- Water shortage a concern in both constituencies
Botswana Democratic Party (BCP) has launched its parliamentary candidates for Kanye East, Thapelo Letsholo, and for Kanye West, Dr Lemogang Kwape, along with their respective councillors.
Both candidates won the 2019 general election and are now contesting to return to Parliament for the next five years. Dr Kwape will be contesting against Botswana Congress Party's youthful candidate, Pako Madigele, and Umbrella Democratic Change (UDC) candidate, Victor Phologolo, who has run several times without success.
Meanwhile, Letsholo will be contesting for the parliamentary seat against UDC's Prince Mosanana. He defeated the late UDC's Otlaadisa Koosaletse in the 2019 elections.
Letsholo, accompanied by his councillors, was launched by Vice President Slumber Tsogwane on Saturday at the Ramontshiwa grounds. Unlike his launch in 2019, the venue was not fully packed this time around. During his address, BDP veteran Leach Tlhomelang cautioned the attendees against empty promises of other political parties. He urged them not to be deceived by politicians who often abandon their constituents after elections.
Tlhomelang said it was important to vote for Letsholo to ensure continued progress and development in Kanye East constituency. Another BDP veteran and central committee chairman, Peter Siele, reminded the gathered constituents that the BDP has immensely developed the country.
"The country used to lack educated people, just after independence, those who acquired university degrees were fewer than in the current times.
“We have people who are trained doctors and professors, and that's the reason more Batswana are now trained within the country," Siele said, adding that the BDP has not disappointed them and that they should keep voting it in power.
For his part, Vice President Tsogwane urged constituents to vote for Letsholo and his team. He cautioned them against following political parties that make false promises.
"You know Letsholo as your candidate, you understand him and the magnitude of his promises," Tsogwane said, encouraging constituents to cultivate a spirit of independence and patience in their daily lives. He assured that patience often yields rewards, noting that Batswana have long supported the ruling party over the years.
Letsholo expressed gratitude for the continued support he has received and promised his constituents that he and his team of councillors would never let them down. He assured them that the Kanye referral hospital is already under construction at Showgrounds and singled out some of his achievements during his previous term, including advocating for Losabanyane school, which has been completed.
He assured voters of his commitment to address local issues such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
"Together, we can build a stronger Kanye East by making decisions collaboratively," he said, urging voters to unite for a better future. He reassured them that his team would work tirelessly to fulfil their promises. He specifically addressed the water access issues in the constituency, assuring them that efforts were being made to resolve the shortages. Letsholo emphasised that improvements were underway, and residents would soon have reliable access to water.
At Dr Kwape's launch, Tonota MP Pono Moatlhodi urged all government employees to support BDP in the upcoming elections. He said the BDP is committed to protecting their interests and those of women across the public service, noting that 65 percent of leadership positions in public service are held by women. Moatlhodi stated that the BDP has significantly reduced the import bill by encouraging Batswana to grow their own vegetables, further promoting engagement in agriculture.
"I have been informed that there are 13 wards within the Kanye West constituency, and the 14th is the parliamentary candidate. Please vote for him along with his councillors," Moatlhodi pleaded.
President Masisi stated that there are several initiatives by the ruling party, aimed at encouraging individuals to venture into business to improve their lives.
"We recognised that not everyone is a farmer and may not directly benefit from agricultural initiatives, so we have made provisions for free electricity for Batswana. With that, I urge you to continue voting for BDP candidates across the country," Masisi said.
He assured the public that they are free to use their land at cattle posts as they see fit, including for business purposes.
During his address to the gathered public at his campaign launch, Dr Kwape acknowledged that his constituents had long complained about the lack of proper healthcare facilities.
He said that his team had delivered on their promises by providing a hospital, a stadium, other essential infrastructure, and extending electricity to previously unlit areas.
He urged the public to vote for him and his councillors, saying, "We are committed to the party's manifesto, which outlines that our promises will be fulfilled, the promises are not just dreams”.
He said they are aware of the water shortages affecting many wards within the constituency, and assured that they are making every effort to alleviate the situation and ensure access to water for all residents.
“These are not just aspirations they are actionable plans for the benefit of our communities. Water access in areas like Taukobong, Mafhikana, and Tloung wards is being improved as we draw nearer to resolving these challenges."
Both candidates won the 2019 general election and are now contesting to return to Parliament for the next five years. Dr Kwape will be contesting against Botswana Congress Party's youthful candidate, Pako Madigele, and Umbrella Democratic Change (UDC) candidate, Victor Phologolo, who has run several times without success.
Meanwhile, Letsholo will be contesting for the parliamentary seat against UDC's Prince Mosanana. He defeated the late UDC's Otlaadisa Koosaletse in the 2019 elections.
Letsholo, accompanied by his councillors, was launched by Vice President Slumber Tsogwane on Saturday at the Ramontshiwa grounds. Unlike his launch in 2019, the venue was not fully packed this time around. During his address, BDP veteran Leach Tlhomelang cautioned the attendees against empty promises of other political parties. He urged them not to be deceived by politicians who often abandon their constituents after elections.
Tlhomelang said it was important to vote for Letsholo to ensure continued progress and development in Kanye East constituency. Another BDP veteran and central committee chairman, Peter Siele, reminded the gathered constituents that the BDP has immensely developed the country.
"The country used to lack educated people, just after independence, those who acquired university degrees were fewer than in the current times.
“We have people who are trained doctors and professors, and that's the reason more Batswana are now trained within the country," Siele said, adding that the BDP has not disappointed them and that they should keep voting it in power.
For his part, Vice President Tsogwane urged constituents to vote for Letsholo and his team. He cautioned them against following political parties that make false promises.
"You know Letsholo as your candidate, you understand him and the magnitude of his promises," Tsogwane said, encouraging constituents to cultivate a spirit of independence and patience in their daily lives. He assured that patience often yields rewards, noting that Batswana have long supported the ruling party over the years.
Letsholo expressed gratitude for the continued support he has received and promised his constituents that he and his team of councillors would never let them down. He assured them that the Kanye referral hospital is already under construction at Showgrounds and singled out some of his achievements during his previous term, including advocating for Losabanyane school, which has been completed.
He assured voters of his commitment to address local issues such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
"Together, we can build a stronger Kanye East by making decisions collaboratively," he said, urging voters to unite for a better future. He reassured them that his team would work tirelessly to fulfil their promises. He specifically addressed the water access issues in the constituency, assuring them that efforts were being made to resolve the shortages. Letsholo emphasised that improvements were underway, and residents would soon have reliable access to water.
At Dr Kwape's launch, Tonota MP Pono Moatlhodi urged all government employees to support BDP in the upcoming elections. He said the BDP is committed to protecting their interests and those of women across the public service, noting that 65 percent of leadership positions in public service are held by women. Moatlhodi stated that the BDP has significantly reduced the import bill by encouraging Batswana to grow their own vegetables, further promoting engagement in agriculture.
"I have been informed that there are 13 wards within the Kanye West constituency, and the 14th is the parliamentary candidate. Please vote for him along with his councillors," Moatlhodi pleaded.
President Masisi stated that there are several initiatives by the ruling party, aimed at encouraging individuals to venture into business to improve their lives.
"We recognised that not everyone is a farmer and may not directly benefit from agricultural initiatives, so we have made provisions for free electricity for Batswana. With that, I urge you to continue voting for BDP candidates across the country," Masisi said.
He assured the public that they are free to use their land at cattle posts as they see fit, including for business purposes.
During his address to the gathered public at his campaign launch, Dr Kwape acknowledged that his constituents had long complained about the lack of proper healthcare facilities.
He said that his team had delivered on their promises by providing a hospital, a stadium, other essential infrastructure, and extending electricity to previously unlit areas.
He urged the public to vote for him and his councillors, saying, "We are committed to the party's manifesto, which outlines that our promises will be fulfilled, the promises are not just dreams”.
He said they are aware of the water shortages affecting many wards within the constituency, and assured that they are making every effort to alleviate the situation and ensure access to water for all residents.
“These are not just aspirations they are actionable plans for the benefit of our communities. Water access in areas like Taukobong, Mafhikana, and Tloung wards is being improved as we draw nearer to resolving these challenges."
