Nhabe Insight Press

POLITICAL ANALYSTS PRAISE AP RECRUITMENT DRIVE IN OKAVANGO

Political analysts have welcomed the decision by the Alliance for Progressives (AP) to take its recruitment and membership drive to the Okavango region, saying the party must establish its own identity rather than relying solely on its partnership within the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).

Analysts say it is a positive development for any political party to expand into new areas and market its manifesto, policies, and vision to potential supporters.

They note that the AP is making the right move by taking its recruitment campaign to Shakawe and the wider Okavango region to ensure its presence is felt ahead of future elections.

According to political commentators, Ngamiland is expected to be one of the key battlegrounds in upcoming elections due to shifting political dynamics and changing voter preferences.

They believe the AP’s decision to intensify its activities in the region demonstrates its determination not to be left behind as other political parties strengthen their structures.

However, analysts have expressed concern over the departure of former AP member Kabelo Mahupe, who joined the Botswana Congress Party.

They argue that Mahupe played a significant role in building the party’s structures and coordinating political campaigns in the Okavango constituency and Ngamiland region.

Political observers say the AP now needs to identify and recruit influential figures within the region who can help strengthen the party’s message and attract support from local communities.

“The Okavango is a vast constituency and requires considerable groundwork. The AP cannot rely solely on the UDC coalition but must also market itself as an independent political brand if it hopes to gain meaningful support,” one analyst said.

The party’s president and Botswana’s Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe, together with members of the party’s central committee and executive leadership, is expected to be in Shakawe on Saturday as part of the recruitment and mobilisation campaign aimed at attracting new members.

Other political pundits believe the AP enters the region with significant advantages, including access to resources and influence. They point out that several members of the party’s leadership hold ministerial positions in government, while its president serves as the country’s Vice President.

Analysts say these factors could give the AP a strong platform to campaign and expand its support base in the Okavango region as it seeks to establish itself as a major political force ahead of future elections.

OKAVANGO FLOOD LEVELS BOOSTED BY LOCALS RAINS RATHER THAN EXCEPTIONAL ANGOLAN INFLOWS

Despite more areas of the Okavango Delta being inundated this year, experts say the incoming floodwaters from Angola are not unusually high and remain within normal levels.

Hydrologist Mike Murray-Hudson from the Okavango Research Institute said the current flood pulse entering the Delta from Angola is comparable to last year’s in terms of volume.

Murray-Hudson explained that while the rainy season over the Delta was unusual, it was not outside the range of conditions experienced in previous years. He noted that the timing of the flood pulse is slightly later than last year’s, but emphasized that the flood season is not yet over.

“It remains to be seen whether it lies within the normal variability of the system,” he said.

He added that one likely consequence of the generous rainfall received across the Delta and the continued inflow from Angola is that inundated areas could remain flooded for a longer period than usual.

MMOLOTSI RALLIES SUPPORT AHEAD OF SHAKAWE CAMPAIGN

The Vice President of the Alliance for Progressives (AP), Wynter Mmolotsi, has announced that the party will take its national recruitment and mobilization campaign to Shakawe this weekend.

Posting on his social media page, Mmolotsi said: “Shakawe is where AP is this coming weekend. Join us as we launch the recruitment drive in the North West. It is great to join the purple movement. Let us meet there.”

The recruitment drive is expected to see AP leaders engage with residents and party supporters in the North West Region as part of efforts to expand the party’s membership base.

The move is seen as significant as Shakawe and the wider Okavango region have traditionally been strongholds of the Botswana Congress Party for many years.

AP is expected to attract new members in a region where the BCP has maintained a strong political presence.

The Alliance for Progressives is part of the ruling government as they have formed a coalition with the Umbrella for Democratic Change, and is seeking to strengthen its support ahead of future political contests.

HIKUAMA KGOTLA MEETING STARTS NEXT WEEK

SUN AT WORK INVESTMENT DONATES 150 CHAIRS TO TSHWARAGANO JSS

Sun at Work Investment Company has donated 150 chairs to Tshwaragano Junior Secondary School in Maun in an effort to improve learning conditions for students.

Speaking during the handover ceremony this afternoon, the company’s Director, Casalis Clark, said the donation was motivated by the school’s need for additional furniture and learning equipment.

Clark said it was important for businesses to support local schools and contribute to the development of education. He encouraged students to take their studies seriously and strive for academic excellence.

The donation is expected to help ease the shortage of chairs at the school and provide a more conducive learning environment for learners.

Kgosing/Kubung Councillor, Magonamo Mmomolainyane, who is part of the organizing team behind the “Donate a Chair” initiative, also attended the event and commended the company for its contribution towards improving education in the community.

The donation forms part of ongoing efforts by stakeholders and community members to address infrastructure and equipment challenges facing schools in Maun.