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 They say that the tours are a political gimmick meant to counter the influence of the rival Kedikilwe-Kwelagobe faction in the BDP. It is instructive that Khama, who belongs to the dominant Mogae-Khama axis, started the tour in Molepolole - a stronghold of party secretary general Daniel Kwelagobe. Some BDP faithful had no doubt that Khama was selling himself in the Molepolole meeting. However, the BDP secretariat is adamant that Khama’s mission in Molepolole was to establish if the party structures in the area are up and running. He was also to find out the problems bedevilling the structures and to possibly device ways and means of overcoming them. “Khama addressed the party organs like the Women’s Wing, Youth Wing and other structures,” BDP executive secretary, Dr. Comma Serema, said yesterday. He stressed that this was the beginning of a series of meetings to be addressed by the VP.
On January 22, Khama addressed the party faithful in the Gaborone and South East regions. While this area is generally known to be swinging with Khama, of late things seem to have changed. Like in Molepolole, BDP youth in these areas boycotted the Serowe Youth Wing music and beauty pageant last December, in a move influenced chiefly by factionalism in the party. To those in the know, this was a signal of tough times ahead. So, it was reasonable for Khama to address the party faithful in the area, in a bid to drum up support, ahead of the July elections. “Khama is forced to solicit support in some of these areas as he knows very well that he doesn’t command any large following in them,” said a BDP youth in the South East. “We still have a pending game to play with the dominant Mogae-Khama faction, given what happened at the Youth Wing Congress in Kasane last year,” he said.
Last weekend, Khama took his fight to the Shoshong-Mahalapye (SHOMA) region. This is a safe haven for the Mogae-Khama axis. Those close to Khama have indicated that the VP is not going to leave anything to chance because his rival, Ponatshego Kedikilwe, whom he ousted from the chairmanship in 2003 is reported to be plotting a comeback.
This weekend, Khama is scheduled to take his campaign to the Maun area. “Yes, Khama and his entourage will be addressing party structures in Maun,” Serema said.
It is generally believed within the BDP inner circles that Khama does not have time for party issues.
Some BDP supporters are suggesting that Khama should step down as he is preparing to take over as the next President when Festus Mogae steps down in 2008. “He already has a lot in his hands. He should leave others to play the leadership role,” suggested another insider.
Kedikilwe was still undecided when Mmegi inquired whether he would challenge Khama. “I will only decide whether I stand or not after consulting my supporters,” he said yesterday.
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