The collapse of Khama�s inner circle
Staff Writer | Friday January 30, 2015 17:00
With his term coming to an end in three years Khama’s trusted associates are now working around the clock to prepare for life without their political and business ‘life support’ and point of convergence. What started as a strong tight-knit family of friends joined together by business and politics has collapsed. The appointment of Mokgweetsi Masisi to deputise Khama did not make things better for other members of the circle. The bitterness is so severe that, according to sources, factions have emerged within the circle.
Former cabinet ministers and close associates of Khama, Ramadeluka Seretse and Tebelelo Seretse have publicly expressed interest in the position. Both Seretses have a long history with Khama. Mokgweetsi Masisi, Khama’s deputy and Tshekedi Khama - the president’s brother are yet to express their interest, but it’s an open secret that the two men are interested in the position. Other members of Khama’s inner circle that are not necessarily interested in party positions are also divided over whom to support.
Sources are not ruling out realignment of the lobby groups before the July congress. “For example it is possible for Tshekedi and Seretse’s (Ramadeluka) lobby lists to form a coalition a few months before the congress,” said a BDP MP.