Moatlhodi denies politicking inside Kgotla
Chakalisa Dube | Tuesday October 18, 2022 06:00
Moatlhodi will reportedly not contest the BDP primaries next year.
The accusations made are from the party’s Tonota West councillor, Andy Boatile. Medupi, a nominated councillor (in the Tonota constituency) is said to be among those interested in contesting the party’s parliamentary primaries in Totona.
He is expected to face Boatile at the primaries billed for next year. Moatlhodi has been addressing Kgotla meetings around the constituency and has often been accompanied by Medupi, a development that has reportedly irked Boatile.
Boatile recently complained that Moatlhodi uses Kgotla meetings to campaign for Medupi. The complaints were made in a BDP Tonota branch WhatsApp group. “Branch, are you aware that diphutego tsa ga Mopalamente di dirisiwa go rekisa regional chairperson for bo palamente? If you are not aware bulang matlho (loosely translated: Are you aware that Kgotla meetings are being used to campaign for regional chair (Medupi) ahead of the primaries? If not, be aware of that),” reads a message from Boatile in the branch's WhatsApp group. Boatile’s statements came after Moatlhodi allegedly told some of those who attended one of his Kgotla meetings that it will be his last term as Tonota MP. Moatlhodi is reported to have concluded by saying that someone of Medupi’s calibre would be among those suitable to replace him. Boatile reportedly interpreted the remarks as a veiled campaign for Medupi.
This week Boatile said in an interview, “I do not have a problem with Moatlhodi campaigning for whoever he prefers as his or her successor. I am a politician, I know how politicians operate.
The contention is that it is done inside the Kgotla. The Kgotla is a platform that should not be used for politics.” He added, “The party leadership (in Tonota) is aware, and I hope that appropriate action will be taken.” Boatile has not officially declared his candidacy for the Tonota constituency primaries.
He has been organising activities such as soccer tournaments, something that has raised speculation that he is positioning himself for a victory at the parliamentary primaries. However, in an interview this week Moatlhodi said that Boatile’s accusations are baseless.
He explained that Medupi has been assisting him during his Kgotla meetings because he does not have a specific ward as he is a nominated councillor. The legislator said that Medupi announces all his Kgotla meetings. “To the best of my knowledge, Boatile is the one who has been campaigning in the constituency for the past two years.
I am well-versed in the BDP constitution. I can’t engage in illegal campaigns. I don’t have anything against any of my councillors. Ask those who have attended all my Kgotla meetings, they will tell you that I have never uttered statements that can be construed to mean that I am campaigning for Medupi or anyone. I only introduce him just like other key dignitaries.” Medupi said he is equally shocked by reports that Moatlhodi is campaigning for him using Kgotla meetings. “As a nominated councillor, I don’t have a ward.
I support the MP and other councillors in the constituency when they require my input. I have been supporting the MP (Moatlhodi) during his Kgotla meetings. I announce his Kgotla meetings. I challenge those who say he is campaigning for me to bring proof. The party is yet to invite candidacies for primaries. Once it has done so that is when we can talk about campaigns. I respect the party constitution.”