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Leadership is painful - Boko

Duma Boko speaking at a star rally in Ramotswa
Duma Boko speaking at a star rally in Ramotswa

RAMOTSWA: While observers within and without the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) have described as the worst political betrayal the decision to sacrifice Ketlhalefile Motshegwa as the coalition's election candidate for Mmadinare over a Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) candidate, UDC leader Duma Boko has hailed Motshegwa for putting party interest ahead of his own.

Even Motshegwa himself has vowed to throw his weight behind the man anointed by the UDC leadership to contest in Mmadinare in the October general election. This comes after he had initially shown interest to contest the constituency, but a BPF candidate was preferred over him.

Speaking at a Saturday star rally here to launch the UDC general election candidate for the area, Donald Keakile, Boko said by not taking to heart his displacement from Mmadinare, the BNF secretary-general demonstrated a quality of a mature leader who knows that personal interests do not supersede party interests. Boko also praised Motshegwa as a true leader, who has shown resilience whether as an MP, councillor or not. “This man right here is true leadership personified,” he remarked. According to Boko he had to make decision and some decisions are uncomfortable.

“All what he (Motshegwa) wants is to change government, this is a true leader. He is the anchor of the leadership. You have acquitted yourself admirably, you have earned your stripes,” Boko said of Motshegwa. The UDC leader made no secret the fact that it was not an easy decision to make. "Sometimes leadership is very painful. I get insulted all the time, but as a leader I have to make decisions, and not all decisions are comfortable," Boko observed.

The UDC leader said he had no doubt whatsoever about Motshegwa's leadership credentials, adding that he is a suitable candidate for a senior position in a UDC government. Botswana goes to the polls in October to elect a new government.

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