- Ndaba and Saleshando’s first public appearance together since UDC split
The bromance between the Alliance for Progressives (AP) and Botswana Congress Party (BCP) will be in full glare in Molepolole this Saturday.
The two political parties who are determined to present a third alternative for voters will host a massive rally at Lemepe Lodge, with heavy hitters from both parties lined-up as speakers.
Dubbed the ‘Mother of all rallies, the gathering is strategically positioned in Molepolole South, a constituency eyed by AP’s Shima Monageng.
Viewed as one of the strong contenders for Parliament, Monageng finished a finished third in a three-horse race, garnering 1, 471 votes, with Dr Tlamelo Mmatli of the UDC coming second with 2, 733, while the eventual winner Kabo Morwaeng amassed an impressive 10, 228 votes in the 2019 general elections.
The constituency had a total of 17, 242 registered voters, but only 14, 528 cast their votes.
In an interview with The Voice on Wednesday morning, Monageng said the rally in Molepolole is meant to take the party to the people, and make it visible in the constituency.
He said the rally comes after a similar one was held in Mahalapye last month.
“We’ll have such kind of rallies and meaningful events monthly. It is important for the party that we’re visible following our National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings and successful elective congress,” Monageng said before referring questions to the party’s Publicity Secretary Mmaotho Segotso.
Speaking to The Voice Segotso said the rally will clearly present both AP and BCP as a united front.
“I can’t say much about how far the coalition negotiations are, but I can tell you that the foundation has been laid, and when the time comes the media will be notified,” said Segotso.
According to Segotso, the rally will present both AP President Ndaba Gaolathe and his counterpart at BCP Dumelang Saleshando with an opportunity to appear together in public for the first time since the beginning of the coalition talks.
She however warned that the venue for the rally might change if the weather conditions are not favourable.
‘It has been a rainy week, and we may change it into an indoor event, should the weather persist,” she said.
Some of the speakers expected at the rally include Taolo Lucas, Wynter Mmolotsi, Mmannana Mpho Pheko, Phenyo Butale, Daisy Bathusi and Major General Pius Mokgware.