BDP SG resignation shakes party leadership
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday December 2, 2024 15:10
Just yesterday, the party's secretary-general, Kavis Kario, submitted his resignation letter. Similarly, in recent weeks, members of the BDP Women's Wing have also stepped down.
Meanwhile, calls have been growing from various quarters within the party for the leadership, particularly president Mokgweetsi Masisi, to resign and convene a special congress.
Addressing members on Wednesday, Masisi acknowledged the resignations, stating, 'It is true that some members have been leaving the party. Some are facing pressure from others to do so, which is why a few have resorted to insulting us on social media. If we resign, who will oversee the handover? That is why we want Congress preparations to commence.'
In his press release dated November 28, 2024, Kario states: “I have this morning tendered my resignation from the position of secretary-general of the Botswana Democratic Party, effective immediately. I would like to apologise to members of the BDP and the people of Botswana for my part in leading the party to its first electoral loss since 1965 thereby interrupting a 58-year legacy of government bequeathed to us by Sir Seretse Khama, Sir Ketumile Masire and other founders of the BDP.”
Kario said the voters have pronounced clearly that the leadership both in the party and in government did not inspire hope for a better living nor provide the desired guidance to the nation in its present shape or form. He said he understands the disappointment and anger expressed by many in the various media platforms. Furthermore, he said he accepts responsibility for this loss with trust that the leadership collective will reflect and allow for a new dawn of leaders and perspectives to marshal the Party henceforth.
Moreover, he took the opportunity to apologise to all the candidates of the BDP at both council and Parliament seats whose efforts could not bear fruit for reasons obviously not attributable to their own lack of hard work or ingenuity. He said he is forever indebted to the delegates of the BDP congress who found it suitable to elect me secretary-general on that fateful night in Tsabong and the many Democrats who guaranteed me a benign tenure.
'To our people back home in Ngami, words may not suffice to express my gratitude for the love you gave me.' He added; “Our Party has in its many years of existence accrued a national footprint and insurmountable goodwill that should see us easily reclaim government. With the right mindset and personnel at the helm, the BDP will be back to glory days in no time.” He said he had considered my personal and professional circumstances and come to the conclusion that he may not be able to fully exert myself to execute duties in the leadership of the Party. The former party secretary-general said the path to reclaim government will not be without hurdles and requires dedicated young professionals who can resonate with the youthful voter of now. Therefore, he said it calls for men and women with impeccable leadership credentials and who may not be swayed by the allure of position or power to lead them in this journey and to whom he pledges my total support. He also thanked Masisi for the opportunity to serve in the central committee under his leadership and assured him of his dedication and commitment as a member of the BDP to do his utmost best to assist the Party where necessary and possible.
kario is the only secretary-general who had served one term and lost the General Election.