BDP Kweneng East marred by Bulela-Ditswe delinquency
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday August 22, 2023 06:00
The party’s Kweneng East region gathered in Kopong, where it was revealed that some contenders for the primaries aren’t exactly playing by the book. This region encompasses four constituencies, Lentsweletau-Mmopane, Gabane-Mmankgodi, Thamaga-Kumakwane, and Mogoditshane.
The BDP holds sway in these constituencies and a significant number of party members are eyeing the chance to participate. The buzz is boosted by the upcoming addition of two constituencies due to demarcation changes. Obakeng Kgabo, the region’s secretary, minced no words in addressing the misconduct of those who seem to disregard the party’s procedures in the build-up to ‘Bulela-Ditswe’, the primary elections.
He called out these rule-breakers, emphasising that party interests should come before personal ambitions. "Some think they own wards and constituencies and are disturbing incumbent leaders in doing their duties.
They should be respected and allowed to serve the nation without being labelled as campaigning," he stated firmly. Kgabo expressed frustration about lower-structure leaders not registering members despite being asked to. He urged them to go ahead with member registration, even while awaiting demarcation for new constituencies.
He further expressed concern about irregularities in the member registration process. "We have reports of people abusing the registration process. We know of registration books being stolen and sold.
We will not allow such to happen and have since reported to Tsholetsa House. We would rather stall our primary elections than have them under current circumstances when there is cheating," he asserted. Kgabo underlined that ‘Bulela-Ditswe’ is a fair democratic process that deserves respect to achieve the desired outcomes.
For his part, Tshepo Jim, the BDP’s Kweneng East regional chairperson called for unity amongst members and putting the party above all else. He urged everyone to uphold respect for the party, its leaders and members. “We need to respect the party, its leaders and the members. We should know that those who are in office will be there until 2024.
I call on all party structures and members to report where they find party processes being violated. Those who go around calling themselves ‘in coming’ should know action will be taken as a means to restore discipline which is currently lacking,” he said. Jim also directed a caution towards political deployees who, after getting voted in, seemed to forget about their constituents.
"There are those who won council and parliamentary elections in 2019 and immediately forgot the voters. That is very wrong. You are accountable to the party and the voters. I also call on you to always assist people in your areas to fund party activities," he advised. Veteran party member, Daniel Kwelagobe harked back to the days when Sir Seretse Khama championed multi-party democracy. "The BDP has always stood for democracy. All individuals and processes deserve respect.
This is what makes the BDP appealing to new members, and it will continue to grow," he remarked. Kwelagobe urged party members to safeguard and nurture its growth. He called on all structures and members to actively monitor the party’s growth and contribute solutions. He also suggested the reintroduction of open discussion forums such as 'freedom squares' to encourage open dialogue among party members, a practice from the past.