Khama is sole BPF funder
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday April 25, 2023 06:00
One particular meeting of interest was of the NEC gathering on February 14 at Blue Tree in Gaborone. It was revealed that the party only survives by funding from former president Ian Khama.
It was at the same meeting that the party secretary-general, Tshekedi Khama informed his colleagues that he would be losing his Parliamentary seat soon. Ian Khama, the patron of the party, who now badly wants the presidency of the party, is reportedly the only BPF source of funding after four party legislators and 17 councillors stopped paying contributions last year.
Probably to show how important he is to the party, in all BPF NEC meeting minutes, Khama is always listed first above the party president, Biggie Butale. “The treasurer reported that the party was having challenges in paying employee salaries and rent and that not all councillors and Members of Parliament are paying their monthly obligations.
It was reported it was only the patron paying towards the upkeep of the Party Office,” reads part of the minutes by Secretary for Public Education, Reitumetse Aphiri The treasurer also reportedly told the meeting that a former employee only identified as Masego had threatened to sue the party for non-payment of her remaining salary.
It was suggested that the party should look for funders from within. The party leaders resolved that members will be invited to express their interest to participate in the BPF primary elections slated for November. It was agreed that the expressions would be used to gauge the level of interest amongst members to participate in elections at the ward and constituency levels as well as assist the party in raising funds.
Still at the same meeting, “Tshekedi Khama provided an update on Serowe West and the implications of his absence from Parliament and the constituency and stated that according to the rules and regulations of Parliament, he has up until the end of the current Parliament session to appear before Parliament, which was by April 12.
NEC members advised that the party has a duty and obligation to inform members of the Serowe West constituency about the current situation as it pertains to their Member of Parliament.” It was resolved that the Secretariat would assign the BPF Members of Parliament in Serowe to address Serowe West constituents and kgotla meetings. It was also resolved that the current NEC will also be assigned to address the members of the party in Serowe West.