• His bid coincides with evolving political landscape
The Goodhope-Mmathethe constituency is witnessing significant transformations, shaped by political reshuffles and emerging competition.
Gaone Geoffrey Seleka, an experienced professional, has thrown his hat into the parliamentary race under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) ticket. His candidacy comes amidst dissatisfaction within the region and noticeable changes in the political dynamics of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
The BDP made headlines after replacing Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, former Minister of Health, with Finance Minister Peggy Serame, despite Dikoloti winning the party's primary elections. This decision has raised questions regarding the BDP’s internal democracy. Dikoloti’s choice to run as an independent candidate has further complicated the race.
For Seleka, these developments represent both an opportunity and a challenge, one that requires a nuanced response to the shifting political landscape. In responding to the situation, Seleka indicated that the internal conflicts within the BDP may create a chance for his campaign to capitalise on voter uncertainty.
"I don’t know much about BDP internal squabbles, but the more they fight, the better for us at UDC because voters want certainty," Seleka stated. However, Seleka’s focus is less on his opponents’ internal struggles and more on presenting a clear, pragmatic approach to leadership, leveraging his professional background and vision for the constituency.
Seleka's professional experience includes leadership roles across both private and public sectors, holding positions such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nogid Pty Ltd, Director of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Marketing at Botswana Innovation Hub, and Information Technology (IT) Head at Debswana’s Jwaneng Mine.
His academic credentials include degrees from the University of Zambia and two American institutions; Madonna University and University of Detroit Mercy, providing him with an international perspective on local governance.
"My diverse leadership roles in various economic sectors have contributed a lot to my approach to problem solving and leadership," Seleka said.
"Leadership is the same, whether in politics, Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), or the corporate world. It is all about influencing teams to achieve goals and, in the process, solving problems."
Seleka’s international experience, gained through work and study, informs his problem solving approach.
"From this privileged exposure, I learned different ways of thinking and doing things," he explained.
"That international experience taught me to look at problems from multiple perspectives and consider solutions that may not always be obvious at first glance."
Seleka’s decision to enter politics stems from a desire to address what he perceives as a lack of development in Goodhope-Mmathethe. He highlights several pressing issues in the constituency, including inadequate
infrastructure, water shortages, unemployment, and poor access to healthcare and education.
"Our constituency is one of the least developed in the country," he expressed. "There are no roads, no water, no jobs, no hospitals, and very few schools. The list goes on. I volunteered to make a difference and fix these things."
In addition to his concern for local development, Seleka’s background in technology informs his proposed solutions for the constituency. His previous role at the Botswana Innovation Hub has given him a deep understanding of how digital tools can help address rural challenges, from financial inclusion to healthcare access via telemedicine.
"There is plenty we can do using technology to solve local problems," Seleka noted. "For instance, my dissertation focused on Financial Technologies in Botswana, commonly known as FinTech, and the results were amazing."
However, Seleka also acknowledges the significant barriers that stand in the way of digital transformation in rural Botswana, such as poor infrastructure, limited private sector investment, and a lack of education.
"Common barriers include poor education, lack of infrastructure, and reluctance from the private sector to invest in rural areas. To address this, we need to adapt a STEAM based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education model and invest in building the necessary infrastructure," he said.
In a race featuring two prominent figures - Finance Minister Peggy Serame from the BDP, and Dikoloti, an independent candidate - Seleka remains focused on his own platform. Seleka argues that his opponents’ track records raise questions about their ability to bring about meaningful change. He points to Dikoloti’s tenure as Health Minister, where ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector persist, and Serame’s management of the economy, which he claims has not delivered for the people of Goodhope-Mmathethe.
Seleka says he offers an alternative grounded in a clear vision and measurable results.
"What are they going to do that they could not do when they were in power?" Seleka asked. "I represent the people’s project, with a very clear manifesto, and I have a history of achieving results."
His campaign strategy, led by campaign manager, Olefile Kegakilwe, has been focused on engaging with the electorate directly. House-to-house visits, town halls, social media outreach, and rallies have all been part of the effort to connect with voters and communicate his vision for the constituency.
Seleka identifies several key issues facing the constituency that require immediate attention, including water shortages, poor road infrastructure, declining agricultural productivity, unemployment, and healthcare access. He notes that the constituency’s sole primary hospital is insufficient for its population of 59,000 people. In addressing these issues, Seleka looks to the UDC’s manifesto for solutions, including proposals to transform Goodhope-Mmathethe into an agricultural special economic zone.
"By connecting roads, electricity, boreholes, and IT networks to farms, we can make it easier for farmers to reach the market and increase production," Seleka explained.
Education is another area where Seleka believes improvements can be made, particularly in rural regions. He advocates for reforming the education system to prioritise STEAM-based learning and vocational education, which he believes would better prepare students for the job market and contribute to economic development.
"We need to overhaul our education system to focus on STEAM-based learning and vocational education," he suggested. According to him, this will produce graduates who are more industry ready and capable of contributing to the economy.
Although the race has garnered attention due to the high profile nature of Dikoloti and Serame’s candidacies, Seleka remains focused on articulating his vision for Goodhope-Mmathethe. He downplays the political stature of his opponents, suggesting that their prominence is more a result of circumstance than political achievement.
"It’s misleading to call Serame and Dikoloti high profile politicians," Seleka remarked. "Dikoloti benefited from the downfall of others, and Serame is benefiting from Dikoloti’s downfall. They didn’t put in the political effort themselves."
Gaone Geoffrey Seleka, an experienced professional, has thrown his hat into the parliamentary race under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) ticket. His candidacy comes amidst dissatisfaction within the region and noticeable changes in the political dynamics of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
The BDP made headlines after replacing Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, former Minister of Health, with Finance Minister Peggy Serame, despite Dikoloti winning the party's primary elections. This decision has raised questions regarding the BDP’s internal democracy. Dikoloti’s choice to run as an independent candidate has further complicated the race.
For Seleka, these developments represent both an opportunity and a challenge, one that requires a nuanced response to the shifting political landscape. In responding to the situation, Seleka indicated that the internal conflicts within the BDP may create a chance for his campaign to capitalise on voter uncertainty.
"I don’t know much about BDP internal squabbles, but the more they fight, the better for us at UDC because voters want certainty," Seleka stated. However, Seleka’s focus is less on his opponents’ internal struggles and more on presenting a clear, pragmatic approach to leadership, leveraging his professional background and vision for the constituency.
Seleka's professional experience includes leadership roles across both private and public sectors, holding positions such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nogid Pty Ltd, Director of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Marketing at Botswana Innovation Hub, and Information Technology (IT) Head at Debswana’s Jwaneng Mine.
His academic credentials include degrees from the University of Zambia and two American institutions; Madonna University and University of Detroit Mercy, providing him with an international perspective on local governance.
"My diverse leadership roles in various economic sectors have contributed a lot to my approach to problem solving and leadership," Seleka said.
"Leadership is the same, whether in politics, Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), or the corporate world. It is all about influencing teams to achieve goals and, in the process, solving problems."
Seleka’s international experience, gained through work and study, informs his problem solving approach.
"From this privileged exposure, I learned different ways of thinking and doing things," he explained.
"That international experience taught me to look at problems from multiple perspectives and consider solutions that may not always be obvious at first glance."
Seleka’s decision to enter politics stems from a desire to address what he perceives as a lack of development in Goodhope-Mmathethe. He highlights several pressing issues in the constituency, including inadequate
infrastructure, water shortages, unemployment, and poor access to healthcare and education.
"Our constituency is one of the least developed in the country," he expressed. "There are no roads, no water, no jobs, no hospitals, and very few schools. The list goes on. I volunteered to make a difference and fix these things."
In addition to his concern for local development, Seleka’s background in technology informs his proposed solutions for the constituency. His previous role at the Botswana Innovation Hub has given him a deep understanding of how digital tools can help address rural challenges, from financial inclusion to healthcare access via telemedicine.
"There is plenty we can do using technology to solve local problems," Seleka noted. "For instance, my dissertation focused on Financial Technologies in Botswana, commonly known as FinTech, and the results were amazing."
However, Seleka also acknowledges the significant barriers that stand in the way of digital transformation in rural Botswana, such as poor infrastructure, limited private sector investment, and a lack of education.
"Common barriers include poor education, lack of infrastructure, and reluctance from the private sector to invest in rural areas. To address this, we need to adapt a STEAM based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education model and invest in building the necessary infrastructure," he said.
In a race featuring two prominent figures - Finance Minister Peggy Serame from the BDP, and Dikoloti, an independent candidate - Seleka remains focused on his own platform. Seleka argues that his opponents’ track records raise questions about their ability to bring about meaningful change. He points to Dikoloti’s tenure as Health Minister, where ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector persist, and Serame’s management of the economy, which he claims has not delivered for the people of Goodhope-Mmathethe.
Seleka says he offers an alternative grounded in a clear vision and measurable results.
"What are they going to do that they could not do when they were in power?" Seleka asked. "I represent the people’s project, with a very clear manifesto, and I have a history of achieving results."
His campaign strategy, led by campaign manager, Olefile Kegakilwe, has been focused on engaging with the electorate directly. House-to-house visits, town halls, social media outreach, and rallies have all been part of the effort to connect with voters and communicate his vision for the constituency.
Seleka identifies several key issues facing the constituency that require immediate attention, including water shortages, poor road infrastructure, declining agricultural productivity, unemployment, and healthcare access. He notes that the constituency’s sole primary hospital is insufficient for its population of 59,000 people. In addressing these issues, Seleka looks to the UDC’s manifesto for solutions, including proposals to transform Goodhope-Mmathethe into an agricultural special economic zone.
"By connecting roads, electricity, boreholes, and IT networks to farms, we can make it easier for farmers to reach the market and increase production," Seleka explained.
Education is another area where Seleka believes improvements can be made, particularly in rural regions. He advocates for reforming the education system to prioritise STEAM-based learning and vocational education, which he believes would better prepare students for the job market and contribute to economic development.
"We need to overhaul our education system to focus on STEAM-based learning and vocational education," he suggested. According to him, this will produce graduates who are more industry ready and capable of contributing to the economy.
Although the race has garnered attention due to the high profile nature of Dikoloti and Serame’s candidacies, Seleka remains focused on articulating his vision for Goodhope-Mmathethe. He downplays the political stature of his opponents, suggesting that their prominence is more a result of circumstance than political achievement.
"It’s misleading to call Serame and Dikoloti high profile politicians," Seleka remarked. "Dikoloti benefited from the downfall of others, and Serame is benefiting from Dikoloti’s downfall. They didn’t put in the political effort themselves."
