Political activist Mmaotho Boninkinyana Segotso, known simply as Mmaotho in political circles is viewed by detractors as a controversial figure while her admires consider her a no-nonsense woman with an iron fist who speaks her mind.
Born within the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), she now finds herself in the opposition trenches with Botswana Congress Party (BCP), which she speaks highly of and passionately defends on social media. This week, The Voice staffer, DANIEL CHIDA brings you closer to Mmaotho as she is known, in political circles.
What kind of a politician are you?
I am a people’s politician. Where the people are, that’s where you’ll find me, hence me choosing the activism route. To be the voice of the voiceless!
You are a BCP member, what made you to leave your past parties
BDP: The BDP had become something I did not want to be associated with.
BMD: It was destroyed, we thus formed AP.
UDC: Forming AP automatically left me outside the UDC.
AP: The Secretary General, Phenyo Butale, disrespected, sabotaged and bullied me. When I felt that the Chairperson and the President especially, were not protecting me, I chose myself, my sanity, my peace and left.
What drove you to BCP?
They believe in Social Democracy. BCP values and principles resonate well with my spirit. BCP has a strong inner party democracy.
The BCP is working on the South membership drive, how is it going?
We did well given it was winter. Post the bye election, we are coming for everything!
Do you see BCP performing better in the future?
We are taking state power! A few years before elections, the BCP weathered storm after storm! It was too much! But we emerged with 15 MPs and 124 council seats. That is strength!
What can be its stumbling block?
Poor membership recruitment drive and poor messaging.
After Dumelang Saleshando, who should lead BCP?
The VP, Taolo Lucas.
Do you have presidential ambitions?
Nope! I’d be miserable as a President. I’m too loud, too hyper. I am a doer, I wanna be out there where the action is. I am not wired for the mics and cameras.
What position do you intend to occupy in future?
I love activism. I am free to be me. I would hate to be tied down and gagged by a position. But if I see that my services and gifts are needed, I can take a position. I have been PRO twice. The only other position that suits my gifts is Secretary General but that’s a big IF!
Party congress is coming up, which position are you eyeing?
None, I’m still learning my way around BCP.
Are there women you support for leadership positions?
I support every woman that wants to stand for a position. Women are the backbone of political parties but are few in leadership.
Where do you get your strength from?
From God. He created me, set me apart, and proposed to me. He wired me like this and continually strengthened me to speak for His people.
How do you maintain consistency?
I am an avid reader and I spent my youth serving this nation. That was a time of deep learning. The knowledge I have accumulated over the years, complements my gift of writing, well.
You hardly commend President Duma Boko’s work, why?
When they started paying oldies 1400, I was all over, elated. I celebrated Melemo (medicines) with song and dance! You missed that! However, I am an activist, not a praise singer! The UDC fails to attend to bread and butter issues.
What is your general assessment of Boko’s leadership?
Totalitarianism, that results from the absence of inner party democracy in the UDC. Batswana are clear about what they want; he wants to do what he wants. Batswana don’t want: the FPTP electoral system, they hate Presidential powers… They also want direct presidential elections!
How do you view his role in politics?
I don’t know about inside the BNF but in the UDC, he played zero roles in its formation. He was handed UDC on a silver platter. He thus, to me is one lucky guy that enjoys a project that people even died for.
Who would you prefer as President apart from Boko?
Dumelang Saleshando! Tall, smart guys worldwide!
How do you want things done?
I want the people of the land to be taken care of. I want the UDC to deliver their bread and butter promises!
If your party wins, what will be the first change?
We would immediately overhaul the constitution and give Batswana an opportunity to craft a constitution that speaks to and of them, even as it mirrors them as a nation and a people.
Your last word
Patriotism is loyalty to the nation, not a leader. Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching! I don’t know about you, but my grandson, Qhawe, is not going to spit on my grave.
