BDP old guard tightens grip on party
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday July 11, 2022 06:00
This came about abundantly clear last weekend during the ruling party’s regional congresses where new members were shown their place.
Lately, the BDP old members have expressed concern over the party elders’ decision to favour new recruits over loyal and long serving members of the party.
Their contention is that BDP newcomers need to understand the party’s culture, its constitution, procedures and processes before eyeing key party positions.
The party’s old guard believes it is wrong for one to assume leadership positions despite not being accustomed to party practices, policies and culture.
According to old members, the reason why some old members have been reluctant to work for the BDP is lack of recognition and progress in the party.
Over the weekend, the Gaborone and South East regions held elections for regional committees and at least the message was consistent.
Former Gaborone deputy mayor, Lotty Manyapetsa failed to retain his seat as regional chairperson.
Now, the new committee consists of chairperson Lespy Mosope, secretary Alfred Moatlhaping, treasurer Kagiso Kwelagobe, deputy chairperson Brian Samu, deputy secretary Jenamiso Mathalaza and deputy treasurer Khukhi Moreri.
Even though members have their own issues against new members, some have appreciated the members’ contribution in the 2019 general elections. They credited Manyapetsa for most of the BDP wins in Gaborone constituencies.
The old guard also feels that new members helped with revival spirit of dedication and hard work in the party a thing that was slowly dying.
Another issue that the old members want to present before the party national council is that there must be a waiting period for new members before they can assume or contest for party positions.
Even though they believe that they do not have a problem with new members being appointed as nominated councillors or Members of Parliament (MPs), the party positions should be reserved for old members. Another issue that the members want to be addressed is youth empowerment.
They believe that it is time the youth are voted into party positions in order to start learning leadership skills instead of being backbenchers. They said the tendency of the party relying on elders alone is not sustainable going forward.
In the South-East region, majority of people who were voted into the regional offices were youth.
Just recently, the BDP president Mokgweetsi Masisi pleaded with the members to work hard for the party and reconcile in order to be victorious in 2024.
Masisi also asked members to unite and help the party to come up with strategies that may help it to increase its popular vote from where it is to 60% or 70%.
“The party cannot win elections without volunteerism. We need members who are willing to work hard for the party and those who want to see the party grow. We need new members and youth must not be left behind. Our party needs youth because they are the leaders of tomorrow,” he had.
The role of the region is to take care of the branches, constituencies and membership within the area.