MP for Kanye North Thapelo Letsholo has allegedly entered the race for the Secretary General position of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in what is expected to be a hotly contested election at the upcoming elective congress.
Highly placed sources within the party have revealed that Letsholo has been approached by some of the BDP young Turks who felt that he is the right person to transform the party. The young Turks are said to have promised him that they will even raise campaigning funds for him so that he matches his opponents.
The past two BDP elective congresses have shown that the contest is not only tense but very expensive, as candidates pitch lavish camps for their delegates.
In an interview Letsholo denied that he has been approached by some people to contest for the Secretary General position but was non-committal in confirming whether he will enter the race. His deliberations in Parliament is said to have motivated some within the party to convince him that he is ready to lead the party.
Letsholo ran one of the most organised political campaigns ahead of the 2019 General elections and many expected him to be roped in the cabinet but President Mokgweetsi Masisi overlooked him. This seemed to have ignited him to be vocal in Parliament, something that has engraved his name into the hearts of many even among the opposition members.
He showed his independent mind when he fired salvo at the Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services for giving the people of Kanye empty promises regarding the provision of water.
“We are tired of empty promises over lack of water in Kanye. Mr Minister Mzwinila it has been long time we are told water situation is being rectified and nothing positive ever materializes. Come to Kanye and show our people water by the date you promising water will be available,” he blasted Mzwinila.
He swam against the tide again when he opposed the budget provision for air assets for the military.
Letsholo said the country’s peace and security was not at any risk that warranted the purchase of air assets.
Should he enter the race, Letsholo is going to face an uphill battle as he will find well experienced politicians in the trenches also vying for the position. Letsholo will tussle out with Incumbent Secretary General Mpho Balopi, former cabinet ministers Dr Alfred Madigele, Boyce Sebetlela and businessman Lesang Magang.