While the media is awash with the exodus of  Members of Parliament (MPs) from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to its splinter, Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), opposition parties, too, are busy preparing themselves to enter the battlefield, this time around, fully armed. Recently, they found it fitting to field people of high integrity, who have the capacity to lead their parties to the promised land.

It is without doubt that the BMD, Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and Botswana National Front (BNF) have youthful leaders whom the country understands well their capability. Gomolemo Motswaledi, the current BMD leader, has the masses on his side. He has,time and again, proven to be a visionary leader.

Though his political life was nearly brought to a devastating end, the “prodigal son”of  BDP is back again, this time around, battling the party he onced loved. Nobody, especially BDP members, will ever forget what others saw as a gallant fight with the the first citizen that was decided at the courts of law. Motswaledi, to this date is regearded a hero thanks to the tug-of-war with the President. He laid bare the problems and paradoxes the Constitution of Botswana contained, more importantly that concerns the immunity of the president in a democratic state like ours, no wonder his new political home is vociferiuos with the change of the Constitution. BCP, since its inception, has lived a “balanced” life. It is one party that grows and rigtly so, flourishes with each passing year. The party is the beacon of hope to those who wish to witness the change of government in our country. It has demonstrated well the meaning of democracy, paricularly after learning the hard way while with BNF.

The party has now bestowed their faith on the youthful Dumelang Shalesando to  do what the bibilical Moses did when leading the children of Israel to the promised land. Like Motswaledi, Shaleshando, is not new in polititics, not every soul will ever forget his arrival on politics when he pipped out the iron lady of  politics in Margaret Nasha to land in Parliament in style. He managed to touch the ground with the youth - an element that is so neccessary to the growth of any political party. Shaleshando has brought the necessary challenge to the ruling party, his motions have caused discomfort in Parliament, a fear of the unknown to our leaders in the ruling party. He remains a thorn in the flesh of  BDP, but his test of character is yet to come. His party,  too, is vociferious with the prospects of unity that can aid a lot in unseating the mighty BDP - something that remains a challenge to this leader.

In Duma Boko, BNF, might have waken up  to the perils of politics. Though they opted for him, they must understand that they threw the dice, particularly if the tussle he went through - that ended up as a legal battle, is something to go by. Of course Boko has the capacity beyond imagination to propel the boat of BNF forward. Like the duo of Motswaledi and Shaleshando, he is a youth, rich in fresh ideas. He is a man who never fear to take the bull by its horns. Many of his well-wishers will remember with delight the challenge he took to the Government following the death of John Kalafatis (may his soul rest in peace).

In three separate environment and conditions, the trio have spoken bravely against  the Government, at times they hit the ground running (save for Shaleshando) to the extent that the judicial body was brought in to intervene. They managed, however, to ascend to the summit of their respective parties, but as they start getting the ball rolling they need to be reminded that should unity talks fail to materialise, they need to confront the harsh reality of battling with each other before facing their monstrous enemy in BDP, a process that has the potential to sideline them as before, particularly in contituencies where the ruling party is firmly grounded.

BY MOSIMANEGAPE TSHOSWANE