- BPP’s Nono Kgafela-Mokoka likely to be the only female SEMP
LETLHOGILE MPUANG
President Duma Boko will announce his six Specially Elected Members of Parliament (SEMP) today (Wednesday) following his recent victory in general elections.
Sources say most of the nominees are Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) candidates who narrowly lost in the recent polls.
Boko has prioritised nominating seasoned figures to support his administration over the next five years.
Strong debating skills
Among the likely appointees is former Leader of the Opposition Dithapelo Keorapetse, who failed in his bid for Selebi-Phikwe West.
Known for his strong debating skills, Keorapetse is viewed as a vital asset to the UDC which now faces a changed political landscape with the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) assuming the role of the main opposition.
He is known to be one of President Boko’s righthand men.
Another anticipated nominee is Dr Never Tshabang, who lost his bid in the Nkange constituency to the BCP. Like Keorapetse, Tshabang has prior experience in the 12th Parliament and is considered one of Boko’s most trusted allies.
Loyal to the UDC
He, along with Keorapetse, Onnetse Ramogapi and David Tshere, remained loyal to the UDC when the BCP exited the coalition in the 12th Parliament.
To enhance gender representation, Boko is expected to nominate Nono Kgafela-Mokoka. She ran in Kgatleng East but lost to the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) Mabuse Pule.
As a Botswana People’s Party (BPP) member and one of only three women candidates in the UDC, her inclusion would diversify Boko’s team.
Military perspective
Another likely addition to the SEMP list is Major General Pius Mokgware, who recently lost to the BDP’s Kagiso Mmusi in the Gabane-Mmankgodi constituency.
A former member of the 11th Parliament and a retired Major General of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), Mokgware brings military expertise that could be crucial as the government addresses issues related to ex-soldiers’ pensions.
Across parties
President Elect Boko is reported to have insisted on contributions from the UDC, the Botswana National Front (BNF), the BPP and the Alliance for Progressives (AP) for his SEMP selections.
Among additional names being considered are James Mathokgwane, Shadreck Baaitse, and Moeti Mohwasa.
Attempts to reach UDC spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa for comment proved unsuccessful last night.