馃嚙馃嚰BotswanaSouthern Africa
Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti's path to Botswana's Parliament amidst patriarchal challenges
via Mmegi2 min read
Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti, Assistant Minister for State President, Defense and Security, secured a seat in Botswana's 13th Parliament, representing the Gaborone Bonnington North constituency under the Umbrella for Democratic Change ticket. Her victory is notable given the significant barriers women often face in securing party nominations and winning primaries in Botswana, despite women constituting 54% of voters. Mophuting-Dikoloti is one of only three directly elected women MPs in the 61-member Parliament, alongside Deputy Speaker Helen Pushie Manyeneng and Mother of the House Unity Dow. Additionally, three other women, Bogolo Kenewendo, Lesego Chombo, and Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, serve as specially elected Cabinet members. A member of the Botswana National Front, which is part of a coalition with the Alliance for Progressives and Botswana Peoples Party, Mophuting-Dikoloti overcame accusations of favoritism during the 2024 BNF primaries, where she defeated former Gaborone Mayor Kagiso Thutlwe and veteran politician Professor Motsumi Marobela. She publicly addressed these claims, stating that while President Duma Boko supports women in leadership, he does not dictate voting choices. Since taking office in 2024 as the sole directly elected woman from the BNF, Mophuting-Dikoloti has been an active and vocal participant in parliamentary debates, advocating for social justice and constituency issues.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Mmegi.
Former Botswana Democratic Party BDP secretary-general Kavis Kario is reportedly being considered by party structures in Maun West as a potential parliamentary candidate for the 2029 General Election. This development comes as the BDP aims to regain constituencies lost in the 2024 polls, with some party members advocating for early campaign preparations. BDP president Mpho Balopi previously suggested holding primary elections two years before the general election to allow candidates more time to establish themselves. Sources indicate Kario has been meeting with local party structures after transferring his membership to Maun West from Ngami. While no official endorsement has been made, influential members are reportedly supporting him. Proponents of this early engagement believe it allows candidates to familiarize themselves with the constituency and build relationships with residents. However, some BDP members express concern that openly lobbying for one candidate years before the primaries could create an uneven playing field and discourage other aspiring contestants, potentially impacting internal democracy. Kario declined to comment on the speculation, calling it an internal party matter.
A group of 168 residents from Bodungwane, led by Ompegile Ratsie, Gofaone Leburu, Lorato Leburu, and Bonolo Modise, has filed an urgent application with the High Court to prevent their eviction from land they claim their families have occupied for over a century. The residents, represented by Ndzinge Makhamisa Law Group, are challenging the Kgatleng Land Board, the Bodungwane Farmlands Borehole Syndicate, seven members of the syndicate, and Deputy Sheriff Lotty Manyepetsa. In an affidavit before Justice Ranier Busang of the Lobatse High Court, Ratsie states that the threatened eviction violates their constitutional rights and disregards legal procedures requiring a hearing before removal from occupied land. The residents assert that their homes, livestock, fields, and graves are in Bodungwane and they have no alternative place to go. They trace their occupation back to approximately 1901 when Kgosi Isang Pilane reportedly allocated the land to their ancestors under customary law. Ratsie argues that the applicants are descendants of Basarwa families who have continuously occupied the area since before the modern land administration system was established, and the lack of formal Land Board allocation certificates does not render them illegal occupiers.
The Botswana Congress Party BCP is experiencing significant internal divisions as it prepares for its elective conference. Once known for calm internal contests, the main opposition party is now marked by open factional battles and public campaigning by rival teams, raising concerns about unity before the 2029 General Election. The conference will elect new national leadership, with members appearing more divided than in the past. The BCP's tradition of avoiding personal attacks during internal elections has eroded due to open rivalry, with competing camps mobilizing support through organized teams, public meetings, and media engagements. Appeals from senior party leaders for issue-based campaigns have had little impact, as campaign rhetoric has intensified. A key contest is for the vice president position, where incumbent Taolo Lucas is defending his role against Member of Parliament Unity Dow. Dow's supporters, campaigning under the slogan "Re Motia," advocate for fresh leadership to reposition the BCP for the 2029 national polls, believing new faces will attract voters and strengthen electoral prospects.