Former BNSC Chairman Reportedly Keen for F/town South

Says he will stand if people want him to

SESUPO RANTSIMAKO

Former Chairman of Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC), Solly Reikeletseng, is reported to have aspirations of running to become the next MP for Francistown South under the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the 2024 general elections.
However, Reikeletseng claimed ignorance of these reports when approached for comment.

Canvassing for support
Nevertheless, although the BDP is yet to sanction the primary elections that will determine candidates for 2024, The Botswana Gazette is reliably informed that Reikeletseng has already begun canvassing for support in the constituency.
Sources say the former BNSC chairman has formed a formidable team of aspiring council candidates who run alongside him.

Sources say Reikeletseng will face stiff competition from another BDP aspirant for the constituency, Jojo Modiri Lucas.

Lucas, who is a nominated councillor, narrowly lost the 2019 parliamentary elections to incumbent MP, Wynter Mmolotsi, of the Alliance for Progressives (AP). He is believed to be keen to run again, which would present another hurdle to overcome for Reikeletseng in the primaries.

However, Reikeletseng claimed ignorance of reports that he has aspirations for Francistown South when reached for comment. He said although he is a BDP card carrying member, he has never thought of running in elections.

Tshekedi
“I am currently busy with my projects,” he added. “But if the electorate wants me to represent them, I will give it a thought.”

The former BNSC Chairman resigned from his position in 2019 after eight years with the organisation. He later admitted that he was pushed by then sports minister Tshekedi Khama and that he would have loved to stay for his term in office.

Specially nominated councillor Lucas’ response was noncommittal about his aspirations. “For now I cannot say anything about elections,” he said. “I will only do so when the right time comes.”