EYES ON THE BALL
New UB SRC president wants BDP out, UDC in
The newly-appointed President of the University of Botswana (UB) Student Representative Council (SRC) Carter Joseph and his cabinet officially assumed office after the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) scooped 13 seats during Friday’s elections.
This Monday, the Bachelor of Law (LLB) fourth year student celebrated his 24th birthday, coupled with his victory.
With only a few days in his presidency, Joseph is proud to have reached the highest form of leadership in the institution before his graduation.
“We have had sleepless nights trying to organise our content. We have been robust on the ground encouraging students to vote for us.
“Our online campaign has been very strong because we had called our veterans to come and advise us on how best we can win,” Joseph said.
He added that his cabinet, campaign team and other ground forces did exceptionally well with election preparations.
Joseph pointed out that most of the candidates on average obtained 1 800 to 2000 votes.
“From our campaigns we had set the tone clear that we want to send a message to the BDP which is making Batswana suffer even outside UB gates.
“The students subscribed to the tone of sending the message that says we do not want Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to rule but UDC to take over. We want Batswana to be heard and their cries to be addressed,” Joseph said.
He added that as President, he believes in representing the interests of students. Joseph rubbished allegations that elections were rigged and stated that as far as he is concerned, UB students are not pleased with President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s administration.
The increased tax and curfews affected their studying so it was impossible that the BDP could have been voted in the university.
“If at all the BDP is alleging
that the elections were rigged and have evidence to support that, then they should take the necessary steps through any platform they deem fit,” Joseph countered.
To clear the air of rumors concerning the BDP’s retaliation due to failure to accept election results, Joseph emphasised that there has not been any protest made so far.
Joseph’s plan going forward is to lead a united Council that takes responsibility and is accountable. “I have served under the former BDP President and the leadership was very incompetent.
“I want to be able to make sure that the Council runs smoothly, is united and accountable for the student community,” Joseph said.
“My expectation from the cabinet is that we should work together to make sure that the student revolution will hatch.
“All the 12 cabinet members subscribe to my leadership as the President and I believe that the subscription will be reciprocal.
“We have a charter which we have promised the students and that is what we should be committed to,” Joseph said.