Moyo, Goya fight for the BPF soul
Sharon Mathala | Monday September 19, 2022 06:00
Tensions are so rife that a splinter party is allegedly in the offing as closed-door meetings heat up.
Mmegi has learnt that some of the senior members of the party are frustrated that the Khama grip, which they used as one of the major campaign tool in the 2009 general election, is fast loosing traction.
By this week up to six senior members of the ‘yellow party’ had been suspended with rumors of more suspensions swirling around. The upcoming congress is scheduled for Tati siding is already marred with controversy.
On Wednesday four Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the party had called for the postponement of the congress.
MP for Jwaneng-Mabutsane Mephato Reatile, Serowe legislators Lesedi Leepetswe, Baratiwa Mathoote and Tshekedi Khama signed the letter. The MPs expressed concern over the recent suspension of the senior members specifically Vuyo Notha, Botsalo Morotsi, Dineo Tumodumo and Annah Maswitikiti.
“It is very clear that these suspension are targeted at eliminating competition before the elective congress. Clearly these are being used by those in leadership position to silence critics and crackdown on opponents. This is very wrong and undemocratic,” reads part of the letter written to the acting president. The MPs further condemned the continued suspension of Party President Biggie Butale who has been suspended since last year. “We also note the unending suspension of the Party president without any charges being preferred against him. This is also causing severe damage to our beloved party.”
Butale was suspended from the party after sexual abuse allegations were laid against him by student.
As the congress nears, two main lobby lists have emerged.
One of the lobby lists which is pro-former President and BPF patron Ian Khama is led by Palapye legislator Master Goya who is eyeing the presidency position. On his team is Khama for the Vice President position with Reatile as chairpersonship candidate.
The team also comprises of a new comer into politics, BPF patron’s right hand man Shadoof Baaitse who is contesting for the treasurer position while Phagenyane Phage will be setting his eyes on the national organizing secretary position.
Moreover Goya’s team will have Kolaatamo Malefho as its secretary-general and Notha as his deputy. Internal relations position has been reserved for Carter Morupisi.
The team’s campaign manager Phage who also backs the MPs’ call for the postponement of the congress confirmed the above lobby list. “Our lobby also calls for the postponement of the congress because we believe there was no proper processes followed. Structures were not informed of any decisions and we believe that the current National Executive Committee (NEC) is making decisions in isolation.”
Commenting further, Goya’s chief campaigner said the NEC took the decision to write a letter to the UDC requesting for membership. He said they believe that decision should be taken by the BPF membership as a collective.
Asked why their lobby is calling for a postponement of the elective congress, Phage explained, “We should have all learnt from the time where the Botswana Movement For Democracy (BMD) party went to Bobonong for their elective congress with unresolved matters, there was bloodshed. We all saw it. We believe there are lot of irregularities that should be resolved before we go for congress,” he said.
Former Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) chairperson Samson Guma Moyo leads the other lobby list and he is facing Goya the presidency position. Moyo will be deputised Caroline Lesang as his VP, Baemedi Kudumane as chairperson. Secretary general on Moyo’s camp is Lawrence Ookeditse non other than Ford Moiteela for the National organizing secretary position and Reitumetse Aphiri for the DSG, position.
According to an insider from Moyo’s camp they appreciate what the Khama factor has done for the party but feels the latter should stick to his advisory role. They feel that Khama should not meddle in the party affairs. Recently Khama took a decision to step back from party activities.