Speaker’s voice hailed as the secret to UDC’s success
Newly appointed Speaker of the House, Dithapelo Keorapetse’s role in Umbrella for Democratic Change’s (UDC) historic rise to power has become the subject of growing speculation and whispered legends.
Known for his intellect and strategic mind, the former MP reportedly played a key part in uniting factions that had long been at odds, creating a coalition strong enough to end Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) 58 years of dominance.
According to a trusted insider within the ruling party, Keorapetse was the crucial link between two seemingly opposing political leaders: former President, Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) Patron, Ian Khama and UDC President, Duma Boko.
“He reconciled the two and made them work together,” maintained the source, adding this alliance was the cornerstone of UDC’s eventual success.
“The reconciliation was not just about mending personal differences; it laid the groundwork for a broader strategy to counter the BDP’s alleged electoral manipulations,” continued the insider.
Keorapetse is also credited for building a rapport with influential figures in the UDC coalition partners, Botswana National Front (BNF), Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) and Alliance for Progressives (AP).
The source revealed his negotiations extended beyond the political sphere to involve big names like the late former Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) chief, Isaac Kgosi.
“Kgosi confided in him about how elections had been rigged while he was part of the BDP machinery. Armed with this insider knowledge, Keorapetse devised a strategy to shield the UDC from similar vulnerabilities.”
The source says this strategy birthed ‘Madibelathopho’, an operation dedicated to safeguarding the electoral process.
Kgosi, leveraging his intelligence expertise, supposedly played a critical role in designing the unit’s framework.
Michael Keakopa, a seasoned operative, was chosen to lead the initiative.
Under Keorapetse, Keakopa and Kgosi’s guidance, the first group of trainees underwent rigorous preparation, learning how to monitor polling stations, scrutinize vote counting, and identify any signs of irregularities.
Keakopa then proceeded with further training sessions around the country, going on to create an online platform where anything suspicious was shared.
“Each constituency had its own ‘war room’ on Whatsapp and all of them reported to or escalated issues to a central one,” Keakopa told the media recently.
“From those trainings, it became nearly impossible for the BDP to manipulate the elections,” the source explained, adding Madibelathopho’s operative’s ensured transparency in areas previously vulnerable to tampering.
“The UDC’s historic victory not only marked the end of the BDP’s decades-long grip on power but also highlighted the effectiveness of Keorapetse’s behind-the-scenes efforts. While the public celebrated the coalition’s triumph, few knew of the intricate web of negotiations, reconciliations, and strategies that had made it possible,” concluded the source, speaking with deep admiration.
However, when asked to comment on these growing whispers, the man himself played down such talk, insisting it was grossly exaggerated.
“Although I worked hard for our party I did not do anything extraordinary than other members of the coalition!” said Keorapetse, who lost out by the narrowest of margins to Kaizer Reuben in Selibe Phikwe West, managing 3, 018 votes to the BCP man’s 3, 054.
Defeat at the polls briefly brought an end to Keorapetse’s two terms in parliament before Boko ‘rewarded’ him with the coveted Speaker’s position.
