Suspended Councillors Want Case Heard
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday November 9, 2021 06:00
The councillors, Collen Mochotlhi, Slumber Mokgosi, Seilatsatsi Kgokong and Molemisi Motsewabathata, are frustrated that they have been suspended for 60 days. They say so far there is no word from the BDP office or party disciplinary committee. “At times it is good if one knows the offence of what he/she has done so that we prepare our defence. We don’t even know who the complainant is and what we are accused of. It will be good if we could go to the festivities while knowing our fate.
Now our political lives are being held at ransom because we are not allowed to participate in any party activity,” said one of the councillors who did not want to be named for fear of victimisation. The BDP communication sub-committee chairperson Kagelelo Kentse on Friday said: “I am not in that committee, but the BDP disciplinary committee met on Monday.
I believe they will soon write them letters to which they will attach the letter by the complainant. "BDP members must know better about the process and they know that they will be given 14 days to file their defence. The BDP disciplinary committee will follow the outlined party procedure that is there in the party's constitution," he added. The four councillors are alleged to have committed offences against the rules and the general code of conduct of the BDP: “Behaving in a grossly disorderly and unruly manner that might put the party name into disrepute contrary to general code of conduct number 5; behaving in a manner calculated to bring the party name into disrepute contrary to the general code of conduct of party number 11; contemptuous behaviour towards party leadership and other members.
As a member, you were obliged to abide by the constitution, rules and regulations of the party, and expected to promote its philosophy, policies and programmes as stated, particularly in article 14 subsection one and two thereof". The party said in taking the decision, the President was exercising the powers conferred upon him by article 34.1.6 and has determined that this is one of the exceptional circumstances in which he should suspend the councillors with immediate effect for a period of 60 days pending investigation.
According to a letter dated October 11, 2021, signed by BDP leader President Mokgweetsi Masisi, for "60 days, the four suspended councillors cease to enjoy their rights and privileges as members of the party". The four councillors are supporters of secretary-general Mpho Balopi, currently embroiled in a factional fight with Masisi. The councillors' case could mark the beginning of a long protracted factional war between Masisi and Balopi.