Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana Congress Party (BCP) president, Dumelang Saleshando has dominated news headlines in recent times for voicing out his displeasure at the ‘undemocratic operations’ within the coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
The UDC vice president is currently serving suspension from the coalition for what was termed “belittling the coalition” after he called for a UDC congress.
This week he lost his Leader of Opposition (LOO) title to one of his cadres in Parliament, Dithapelo Keorapetse.
But, it is not new for Saleshando to hog the headlines. From the infancy of his political career, Lord Dums, as he is often referred to by his followers has always been a newsmaker.
In 2004, he achieved the impossible when he unseated then Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) heavyweight, Dr Margaret Nasha from the Gaborone Central constituency. It was a remarkable feat that catapulted Saleshando to stardom.
In Parliament, Saleshando’s oratory skills are a wide knowledge of issues have been unmatched and went on to earn him respect of his peers across the political divide. Often times, he was often at the forefront giving the BDP Members of Parliament (MPs) a tough time during parliamentary debates.
When he lost his parliamentary seat to then UDC’s Dr Phenyo Butale in the 2014 general elections, it was the biggest upset of the time. His loss, more so to a competitor who was seen as a political novice once again made news headlines.
“Parliament would not be the same without Lord Dums”. This was actually the statement of many people who had gathered at the Gaborone City Council Civic Centre where the ballot counting was taking place. It was a shock even for those who were on the opposing side. For the next five years, the nation would miss Saleshando’s meaningful contribution in Parliament.
But his return to Parliament in 2019 was widely welcome. Looking at the caliber of the all the 19 opposition MPs that made the cut, he was the obvious choice for the LoO post even if he were not the coalition VP. He has served as LoO under two different Parliaments. This goes to show what a remarkable career Saleshando has had in politics.
Saleshando’s remarkable political career has often overshadowed his family life. However, he has often made it a point that the public understood that his family was his pillar.
Son to former BCP president Gilson Saleshando, Lord Dums is a family man who is married with three children. Saleshando has been the BCP president since 2010, taking the baton from his father, Gilson.
While Saleshando is known for his resilience and firm believer in principle, his mettle is under serious test judging by the circumstances he currently finds himself in.
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