Cynthia Thanda

History was made on the 17^th of May 2022 when Prosper Lorato, an independent candidate, emerged victorious in the University of Botswana Student Representative Council (SRC) Presidential elections.

This means that the next academic year, the incoming president and his cabinet will be representing UB students. The Pan Afrikanist Family had a chat with the incoming president about his plans for the future of the university.

Campaigning for the SRC elections was a challenging job for the young, passionate man as his campaign was fully self-sponsored. He used the little money he had to fight for the well-being of students. Together with his campaign manager, they embarked on house-to-house tours selling their mandate, which is “serving the student”.

The consistency – being faithful and hopeful for a better future – made it possible for him to be noticed. The campaign started as the university opened on the 28^th of January. Prosper Lorato has always had an interest in politics. He is a former Minister of Entertainment and former Prefect at Moeding College.

It is significant to note that although the first-ever independent candidate to win, he was initially under the Moono-Wa-Baithuti movement, which had released a communication urging prospective candidates to apply to represent the students.

He had followed all the procedures laid out as well as paid the money that had been requested by the team. He later found out that of the three members; he was the only one who paid (P1000) to contest for the presidency.

He was then blocked from the group to prevent him from communicating anything; malicious propaganda was spread to discredit him among the student community. However, the students approached him to see how they could assist in getting him heard and encouraged him to contest as an independent candidate.

“I am grateful for the efforts that the students have shown in this fight as this was their race and not my race. That is why I am here to account only for them and not anyone else. In the event anything contrary to the interest of the students happens, I will use the presidential powers entrusted to ensure that it benefits the students,” President Prosper pledged.

Gift Seete who was the campaign manager made sure that they invested their time and resources in the campaign. With the political experience they had, they found a way to maneuver and get an advantage in mobilizing the students and having a better manifesto and vision to deliver to the students.

“It was a one-man’s campaign that we dedicated our all-out faith and belief in it because most people believed that it is impossible. It was all about the empowerment of the students.

“I remember the first house tours that we did, approximately eight (8) to nine (9) students volunteered to assist us. It was a people’s project and that is why we ended up coming with part of the branding called the People’s President,” Gift explained.

According to Prosper starting his own party would depend on how things unfold and the students seem to love his brand, hence it would be greedy to hold on to it and not share it. In the event, that the opportunity comes and the students are willing to jump on board, he will give them the chance to start a new party.

“The voice of the students will be the one controlling my decisions because they are the ones that voted for me and not any movement. I am the President of the students.

“From the previous cabinet we have been talking but no action and as such under my presidency, we are going to act. And to act we need the student masses to be rallying behind as we fight for their needs,” President Prosper said.

He said the t burning issue right now is allowance increment. There are a lot of expenses that students must cover and with prices going up, the current allowance cannot sustain the student’s standard of living hence Prosper has been invited by the outgoing joint tertiary SRC Union to deliberate on the issue of Saturday 21^st of May where a resolution will be taken on behalf of the students.

When asked about his evaluation of the education system in the university, President Prosper said that the system is very old and there are a lot of mishaps that always occur when it comes to students viewing their results owing to the strict and difficult processes and procedures.

He said what is needed is a system that will allow the smooth administration of everything and ensure that the systems in the university and DTEF are linked in such a way that everything is clear and on record.

“My last word is that the students will always be served if they are under my wing. Anything will now be done according to the best interest of the students.”

Despite the differences between him and his former party members, there is no bad blood and if things are done in the interests of the students, then they will work well together for a common goal.

The other members of the UB SRC Cabinet are; Tiro Dean Ntwayagae (Secretary-General); Tuelo L. Phetlhe (Treasurer General); Bonolo Innah Kitlano (Administrative Secretary); Thero Cornelius Madile (Minister, Academic Affairs); Maatla Mandla Magibisela (Minister, Student Affairs); Tsotlhe Tsoxido Moatswi (Minister, Sports); Katlo B. Ditshotlo (Minister, Justice); Kago France Ngoma (Minister, Information and Publicity); Boago Titian Disekeng (Minister, Entertainment); Gabriel Gabby Shoshong (Minister, Bar, and Canteen); and Refilwe Eunice Mashadi (Minister, Refectory).

The new Cabinet is expected to be inaugurated before Wednesday, next week.