Merafhe talks tough on factionalism

MQONDISI DUBE
Correspondent | Wednesday November 5, 2008 00:00

Merafhe's threat comes amid allegations of clandestine factional activities with reports alleging that a meeting was held at night in Selebi Phikwe where the 'Barati Ba Phathi' plotted their revival.

Other sources claimed that the 'A-team' was also strategising, with a view of re-organising its leadership.

Merafhe warned members that factionalism would not be tolerated. He said this launching BDP parliamentary and council candidates in Selebi Phikwe West on Saturday.

'BDP ga e kake ya letelela go buswa ke makgamu - BDP will not permit factions,' Merafhe said.

He said the leadership is prepared to come down hard on members fanning factionalism.
'You will get the shock of your lives when we start acting against those promoting factionalism. We will take stern action,' Merafhe said.

He added that Bulela Ditswe had presented the party with its own challenges but urged losers against divisive politics. Bulela Ditswe, he added, was the only way in a democratic setup to allow members the opportunity to contest elections.

Merafhe said BDP members who lose during primary elections should accept defeat gracefully.

'If you cannot accept defeat, you have no business being in politics. You are in the wrong job. We cannot all be victors,' Merafhe said.

He said the BDP leadership could not afford to 'fold its hands while people do as they please'.

Merafhe said it was essential that primary election losers get behind the winners. He said if there is disgruntlement in the party, the electorate would vote against the BDP and not necessarily for the opposition. 'Let us not get complacent,' he urged.

The vice president said the party should draw experiences from the opposition, which is riddled with internal squabbles.

'A fool's experience is a clever man's walking stick. We don't want to be in the same position as the opposition. We must unite. We might differ in views but that should not hinder the progress of the party,' he said, adding that when two people agree, it means the other part is redundant.

Merafhe said the opposition thinks that running the country 'is a bed of roses'.He took a swipe at the Botswana National Front (BNF), saying if its members can go to the extent of stabbing each other fighting for minor positions, he wondered what would happen if they are voted into power.

'Imagine what they will do when they take over power. They might even kill each other using guns since there would be money involved,' Merafhe mocked. He said Batswana want a party that will promote peace and not violence. He described opposition parties as 'incubators' of hate and violence whose members are 'permanently' angry.

He said the BDP has provided strong leadership for more than 40 years. Selebi Phikwe West Member of Parliament, Kavis Kario said former MP and Botswana Congress Party (BCP) leader, Gilson Saleshando should not be given another chance in parliament.
He said it was during Saleshando's tenure that textile firms and the economy of Selebi-Phikwe shrunk.