Ponatshego Tshiping (81) is a true testimony of what dedication, hard work and commitment can do to a true servant of the people. She has been a councillor for Moshupa for 30 years under the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and has served under three presidents; former Prsidents Festus Mogae, Ian Khama and the incumbent Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Despite all challenges that women in politics face, Tshiping has stood the test of time. She served for a long time in the party central committee and is still a member of the party disciplinary committee.

For her, politics defined her success in life and she managed to achieve a lot through it. She has been a councillor since 1994 to date. Currently, she is a nominated councillor in Moshupa.

“I have contested for elections, both Bulela Ditswe and general election and I won. I was born a hard worker, and I knew what I wanted when joining politics. Becoming an active politician is not easy as many may think as it requires support, focus and dedication. If one loses a step then she is gone. As a woman, never get derailed by what some people will say or get tempted to fall in love with male politicians especially when you are eyeing elections or any political office,” explained Tshiping.

She added that she once lost Bulela Ditswe primaries in 2003 and got nominated in 2004 and was not discouraged to continue working for the party. “I love politics and advocating for people especially my constituents in Moshupa. If there is something that I enjoy the most is the campaigns. I don’t mind going to Boteti or Serowe to do that for my party,” Tshiping said in an interview on Tuesday. With her love for the party, she said the three Presidents she served under and party members also gave her support to continue serving the party till today.

Despite her age, Tshiping said she is still active in the party and believes that she will campaign for those who will be contesting for the 2024 General Election.

She said politics has opened so many doors for her and her humility has helped a lot. She, however, pleaded with women to stop despising themselves as they are capable just like their male counterparts. Tshiping said women could articulate policy issues and stand for the truth when the need arises in political parties.

She concluded: “When parties are facing challenges, it is women who stand up and fight for them and protect their image. Again, they are also good at recruiting members therefore, they can defend party policies or say it out better. There is no doubt that women are hard workers but we are failing to raise our hands high in politics.” In her political career, Tshiping said competing with men had not shaken her but rather it was making her stronger since she was able to win and also lose. She added that those who lose should not betray the party since it will be difficult for party leaders to support or trust a person who is not loyal. The octogenarian said she was once a member of the Botswana National Front (BNF) but later re-traced her steps back to the BDP after the BNF split in 1998 during its internal fighting that occurred in Palapye.

When adding to what Tshiping said, Veronica Lesole who is BDP Women’s Wing vice chairperson said: “I have worked with Mma-Tshiping in the central committee for some years. She is a very vocal person who has a stand on something when she believes in it. She articulates issues well and is not easily shaken or intimidated when she has taken a position on an issue. She does that very well. She knows party procedures and policies from her head and she is not called a ‘mother’ by mistake. A well-respected woman in the BDP.” Lesole said most of the time at the party central committee, she (Tshiping) likes to advise when she strongly believes that things were not done properly. She noted that Tshiping believed a lot in a recruitment drive and revival of party structures hence most of the time she did not have a problem going out to lead campaigns in an area where there is a by-election. She said Tshiping also advocated women’s empowerment and representation.

In addition, Lesole said women who progress in politics, especially those who stand for political office, are hard workers and they do sacrifice a lot for the sake of the party.

“There is no way a person can progress in politics when she is not a hard worker. Contesting for elections is not a joke and it needs commitment, dedication and hard work. Campaigns are not easy,” said Lesole in summation.