The overcrowded eastern corridor
Staff Writer | Tuesday October 29, 2024 09:32
Amogelang Mojuta of the BDP, the BPF’s Dr Mokubung Mokubung, Tebogo Venson of the UDC and the independent candidate are the four challengers hoping to frustrate Kgoberego Nkawana of the BCP's bid for a second term in Parliament. It is not clear why the East has attracted so many candidates vying for the constituency. It could be that the challengers see a big window of opportunity for success considering that the incumbent is not regarded as invincible.
Mokubung
The BPF’s inaugural parliamentary candidate in Selebi-Phikwe East is Mokubung. He is a new political entrant but certainly no stranger to Selebi-Phikwe. He is a well-known public figure, best remembered for his exploits as the face of SPEDU. He was charged with the responsibility of championing the town’s economic diversification agenda, lessening dependence on the mine, and expanding job and entrepreneurship opportunities. He has a good grasp of issues at stake and can claim with some degree of justification to have paved the way for Selebi-Phikwe' s present and subsequent developments. It remains to be seen whether the people as they go to the polls, will remember and reward him for his efforts. Just like his fellow comrades in arms in the BPF, he is riding on the popularity of former president, Ian Khama, who is also coupling as the party's patron.
Mojuta
After his unsuccessful 2019 bid for the coveted parliamentary role, more than ever before, Mojuta appears confident to succeed in 2024. His BulelaDitswe rival, Lucas Modimana, has thrown his weight behind him and the political tranquillity that the party is enjoying in the area can produce desired results. He is a seasoned political animal, having had a history of wearing the town's mayoral chain and serving in a number of local council committees. Mojuta has an added advantage of royal connections. His campaign materials are clearly visible in the constituency and he has a number of speaking engagements in his former official capacity as a nominated councillor and in his personal capacity. Overall, he seems to have done enough work to expect some good outcomes. The BDP big wigs also continue to make frequent visits to the poverty-stricken town to bolster his chances of electoral victory. His opponents can only write him off at their own peril.
Venson The UDC is banking on the experience of a veteran politician in Venson. He is a well-known politician who has been in the political trenches for a considerable length of time. He is well acquainted with the Selebi-Phikwe's political terrain and can claim with justification to have answers to the problems vexing the town. He is, however, running a quiet campaign with very limited political activities and this could be speaking volumes about the resources at his disposal. The UDC as a party is fancying its chances and it considers itself a viable alternative to the BDP model of governance and economic development. Nkawana
He has been the voice of Selebi-Phikwe East since 2019 and has surely given the voters cause to consider him for a second bite at the cherry. By nature he is a quiet, humble and soft-spoken person and this demeanour is a likeable trait that has endeared him to his colleagues and rivals alike. Nkawana has fairly acquitted himself as a Member of Parliament. He was so vocal on the land question especially as it relates to the landless community of Ralenyeletse, issues of job creation, citizen empowerment and the nurturing of local entrepreneurship. He is a seasoned businessman who is excelling in the tourism industry, hitherto, dominated by foreigners. In this regard, he is an inspiration to many who are aspiring to venture into tourism. Nkawana' political movement, the BCP is enjoying a serene and stable political environment. Above all, the BCP has massive appeal in the town.
Johane
He is a lone ranger in the marathon race for winning the souls and hearts of the constituents. He is not known for any background of political activism but nevertheless has audaciously thrown his hat in the political ring. Johane is a self made man who is neither enjoying any political patronage from any of the existing political formations nor does he have any history of involvement with any. He is banking on the power of the people. He is likely to get support from people who are sick and tired of empty promises that political parties are fond of making. Already he is seen as a man of the people as he is always on the ground working closely with the people to provide solutions to their day-to-day problems. For example, he is seen now and then using his own resources to ferry water to areas where there is no water supply. He is considered a selfless man who is eager to share his resources with the less fortunate members of the community. It is yet to be seen how far his spirit of benevolence would carry him.