Mathokgwane returns to active politics
After taking a break from political activism for six years, former Goodhope-Mabule legislator James Mathokgwane is retracing his steps to the game, Mmegi has learnt. Inside sources say Mathokgwane is busy consulting some members in his area about his intention. He is aspiring to contest for the 2024 General Elections if he wins the Botswana National Front (BNF) primary election.
“It is true Mathokgwane is consulting members and different people about his intention to contest. There is a team that is helping him with the campaign. He has been working well with Goodhope-Mabule residents although he was not active in politics. Currently, he is busy on the ground,” said a source.
Some supporters of Dr Patrick Molutsi are also said to be busy with campaigns. “The primary election for this area will attract a lot of people and we hope that it would divide BNF members. Molutsi has also been there for the members and supporting them,” an insider said. Mathokgwane, who is the former MP for the constituency, declined to talk about his political intentions when contacted for comment on the matter.
Instead, he said: “The BNF has procedure that we all have to follow. Again, the central committee has not yet told the members that membership for those who want to contest is open. I respect party procedure.”
He will be battling it out with party chairperson Molutsi in the coming party primary elections. Mathokgwane resigned from his position as MP for the Goodhope-Mabule constituency with immediate effect in May 2015 hardly a year after being voted in the seat. At the time Mathokgwane felt he was tired of accusations alleging that he was being involved with a student in his constituency. However, he was cleared by investigations. He said he was a target because of his boldness and felt that he was tired of being victimised and wanted a job for his peace of mind and that of his family. Mathokgwane was then replaced by Kgosi
Lotlamoreng II of the Barolong who ran under the UDC ticket and managed to beat incumbent and BDP MP Eric Molale in the 2015 by-elections. Mathokgwane served as BNF youth league secretary-general and BNF executive secretary. The BNF spokesperson, Justin Hunyepa said the dates for the party primary election have not yet been scheduled since they are waiting for the delimitation process to end. “We had wanted the primaries to start this year, but we had to wait for the delimitation process first. The dates will be communicated through party structures,” Hunyepa said. Already it is clear that the constituencies will be increased from 57 to 61.
If Mathokgwane manages to win the primaries against Molutsi, he will have a hard time reclaiming the constituency from the BDP. Current Minister of Finance Peggy Serame is being positioned to take over the Goodhope-Mabule constituency from the incumbent, Molale who is serving his last term. Efforts to get hold of Molutsi were not successful as his mobile phones were off.