BDP caucus elects council chairpersons
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday June 7, 2022 06:00
The BDP has the highest number of councillors in the district and sub-district councils compared to councillors from opposition parties. As the BDP caucus is binding, all those who win at the party caucus are expected to automatically win elections at the council chambers because members usually abide by the caucus decision. The party usually takes action against any member of the party who goes against the caucus' decision, hence the automatic win at the council chambers elections. BDP article 32 of the caucus states: “There shall be a council caucus for each district, town, or city council comprising all party councillors in each council.
The decision of the caucus shall be binding on each member. Each council caucus shall elect a chairperson for purposes of electing the chairperson/mayor of the council who shall thereafter become the chairperson of all caucuses or whoever he/she may delegate.” It further explains that where the party is in the minority the person elected to chair shall become the caucus chairperson. KWDC's Motlhophi Leo retained the chairperson seat after getting 39 votes against Jeffrey Sibisibi, who got 31. For Mogoditshane/Thamaga sub-district, Ducs Mafoko also retained the chairperson seat as he received 17 votes against Pulane Piet who got 13. At the Letlhakeng sub-district, Meshack Tshenyego was unopposed for the chairperson seat. Kweneng District Council will hold sub-district council meetings and will swear in all the elected chairpersons and their deputies on Monday. However, for Lentsweletau/Molepolole, it was agreed that the contestants should reach a consensus as the numbers tallied. Both Allen Jacob and Slumber Mokgosi got 15 votes each for the sub-district chairperson of the area.
It was agreed that Jacob will be the chairperson, while Mokgosi will deputise him. Still, on the matter, Kweneng regional secretary Obakeng Kgabo said they are happy with the outcome of the council caucus as elections went smoothly and there were no complaints. “Our region has spoken to councillors about the importance of unity and cooperation, especially that the party is about to go to its primary elections next year. We have urged them to cooperate and be united in council going forward. They have also promised us that they will put their differences aside and work together,” Kgabo said in an interview on Saturday. Meanwhile, Kgatleng District Council also retained its council chairperson, Daniel Molokwe.