Kgatleng East BNF members dig heels in
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday January 22, 2024 06:02
Draped in traditional BNF garb, both the old and young party members passionately expressed disgust at the UDC’s decision.
They strongly believe that the constituency belongs to their party. They were so determined to hold the meeting and not even heavy rains and storms could disrupt the united members. The issue of how UDC allocated the constituency to BPP was discussed in detail. Speaking with a sense of frustration, Odisitse Karabo, an elderly man and BNF member, questioned why the BNF offers its winnable constituencies to other coalition partners, instead of giving them to BNF members. He felt that this was unfair and detrimental to the BNF’s interests.
“Maybe the UDC wants to donate this constituency to the BDP since the BNF did not bother to consult us about the allocation. This is not looking good to us as Bakgatla who have been working hard for this party on the ground. The BNF leadership must be called here to come and explain the issue to us,” Karabo said.
Kefentseng Gofamodimo, another speaker at the meeting, pointed out that the BPP has never shown much interest in the Kgatleng constituencies over the years. She wondered why BPP suddenly wanted to build a base in Kgatleng at the expense of the BNF. Gofamodimo went on to suggest that the decision to allocate the constituency to the BPP may have been intentional and to prevent a certain person from contesting the election on the UDC ticket. She implied that the alleged blocking of a potential candidate was because of BNF internal issues that they could not discuss in that meeting.
The angry member went on to suggest that the members of the BNF who have been most vocal about certain issues within the party have been targeted in the constituency allocation process. “Specifically, the constituencies of those who have spoken out have been given to coalition members, rather than being allocated to BNF members.
This is unfair to other members,” she said. Another BNF member, Koketso Kebinang, requested that only elders from the constituency should approach the party leadership on behalf of the BNF constituents in that area. He felt that this would add legitimacy to any requests or concerns raised by the party members. Kebinang argued that elders are more skilled at presenting issues respectfully and diplomatically, while young people may come across as disrespectful or confrontational. He emphasised that it is crucial to maintain good relations with coalition members and that respectfully presenting issues is a key part of that. He said they should not be seen as undermining or disrespecting the coalition members. “The delegation must be well informed and able to accurately represent the views of members. Again, it must research on the party performance in this area and its current state. They should not simply present their own opinions, but rather present the facts and the overall mood in the constituency,” he pointed out. That way, he said, they can ensure that the party leadership is aware of the issues and concerns of the members.
However, the BNF constituency chairperson, Obakeng Matlou confirmed that the meeting had come to several resolutions regarding the one item on the agenda. Additionally, the members resolved to write a letter to the central committee, demanding that they come and address the matter in person. Furthermore, the members also resolved to take additional measures to ensure that their voices are heard. “Should the party leadership fail to address members, they have suggested that a special regional conference be called to escalate the matter. This would allow the members to raise their concerns in a formal setting and seek a resolution that is satisfactory to all involved,” Matlou said. On what would happen if they did not prevail, Matlou said it is important to clarify that the members’ aim is not to cause conflict or division but rather to ensure that the matter is handled honestly and transparently.
He said they intended to resolve the issue without any further drama or difficulty. Matlou added that the members will be updated with every step of the way. Matlou also said they have hope that the BNF leadership would address them and come up with solutions to the matter. The constituency chairperson said the root of the drama seems to be a lack of communication from the party leadership, as well as a lack of direct engagement with the members. This according to Matlou, led to frustrations and confusion, as members do not feel they are being treated with the respect and consideration they deserve.
The meeting decided that a committee of 18, two elected from each of the nine wards, will be sent to petition the BNF leadership on Monday.
They felt that the decision to award y the constituency to BPP was made without consultation therefore they want BNF leadership to come and address the constituents. The controversial UDC divisions of the 61 constituencies to coalition members have left different party members up in arms. Kgatleng East constituency particularly with a strong BNF presence found it offensive that the area was given to a party with no structures. Following the Kgatleng East constituency meeting, other constituencies like the Mmopane/Lentsweletau are said to be planning to do the same. Previously, the BNF chairperson and also the party negotiator on constituency allocation, Dr. Patrick Molutsi emphasised that each party could still negotiate with one another despite the outcome of the allocations. “Parties can still negotiate amongst themselves as a way of resolving any dispute that might arise. This has happened before in the UDC. Parties can talk freely amongst themselves looking at the facts that might arise,” he said.