The Francistown City Council has elected Councilor Gaone Majere of the Umbrella for Democratic (UDC) as the Mayor of the second city in a tightly contested election.
Majere garnered 17 votes against former Deputy Mayor Lesego Kwambala who bagged 12 votes. The position of Deputy Mayor was clinched by Uyapo Nyeku also of the UDC who won with a resounding 23 votes, while Nametso Griesmeir of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) was voted by six councilors.
In his acceptance speech Majere called on councillors of the second city to unite and work for the common cause of residents of Francistown. He urged them to put aside political differences and forge ahead for the good of Francistown residents and for the betterment of the economy of the city.
“Deputy Mayor and I accept the responsibility you have given us to lead and serve this council. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us to be the leaders of this city. This city requires and needs all of us as councilors, council employees and residents to build a new Francistown. We need to create employment, we are fully aware most of our young people are unemployed and faced with poverty,” urged Majere.
“United and together we can achieve much. As a united force there is very little which we can fail. My deputy and I are open to any advice which will take this city to greater heights and benefit its residents. Being in the office of Mayor does not mean we are more intelligent or wiser than you. Our doors are open to each one of you.”
Majere promised positive change and developments for Francistown in the next two years. He also urged councillors to be serious in their deliberations during full council sessions and committee meetings.
“Let us be serious in our deliberations. It can no longer be business as usual. We must not be found spending most of our time joking and jesting. Let is spend time seriously debating and finding solutions for issues which affect our city”, concluded the Mayor.
However, the slim margin between Majere and Kwambala in the Mayoral race, raised questions if the UDC front was showing signs of division. Council’s Leader of Opposition, Thabo Nyambe revealed the councilors of the ruling party were divided.
“After their caucus the councilors were not united. The bone of contention was from which constituencies the Mayor should come from. This is why you see some UDC councilors voted for Lesego Kwambala. Most of those who baked Kwambala are from Francistown West constituency. And as opposition we are there to test the unity of UDC,” divulged Nyambe.
Nyambe promised to keep UDC on its toes during the next five years and sow seeds of discord at any given chance.
