Words that changed the race
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday May 7, 2015 18:00
President Ian Khama’s alleged endorsement of his Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi for the chairmanship of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has stirred a hornet’s nest and is likely to shatter many dreams.
So far, the jostling for party positions has intensified, and there are allegations othat some lobby groups are striking off some names of candidates, in preference of others.
Information reaching Mmegi also suggest that at the Palapye meeting on Monday Khama asked his younger brother Tshekedi if he was standing and the answer was a No.
Then the same question was directed at Masisi, whose response was in the affirmative.
Then said the president: “Motho ke yo, le mo ikutlwetse Betsho”. These words were not extended to other candidates and it was immediately interpreted as an endorsement of Masisi by his boss.
Our sources have revealed that shortly after the meeting with the President, which lasted for no more than 30 minutes, some members of the Masisi Team held a meeting in which they resolved to review their strategy.
Although very divided, it is reported that the Central Region – Serowe, Mahalapye, Palapye, Bobonong and Mmadinare were in support of Kefentse Mzwinila as Secretary General over former minister of Health, and MP for Molepolole South Gaotlhaetse GUS Matlhabaphiri.
While it was not possible for any individuals to confirm the position of the central region, Matlhabaphiri denied knowledge of the said meeting, or the rumours thereof.
“I am campaigning right now and the campaign is going well. I am going to stand for the position of secretary general,” he said yesterday.
Matlhabaphiri stated that he was not aware of any underground movement to force him to give way for any candidate, for whatever reasons. He added that he was not in Palapye when the reported endorsement of Masisi was made, and that he would not allow rumours to divert his attention.
He said that nobody has communicated with him, verbally or in writing
According to a source, “the central region people openly told the VP at Palapye recently that they feel former MP for Molepolole North Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri has grown up. The team is divided between Matlhabaphiri and MP for Mmadinare, Kefentse Mzwinila whom they believe could give Botsalo Ntuane competition. This position of secretary general needs someone who is young and has experience in a lot of things. Again we want someone who is loyal and can be trusted”.
Although Masisi is said to be against teams or factionalism, one source said his supporters have insisted that he have one. “His supporters want people who can work well with Masisi,” said the insider.
He said people who are not comfortable with Matlhabaphiri being a secretary general are from the central district.
The source said Masisi had indicated that he is comfortable working with anyone who wins. “The problem is that some members from the Masisi side were not comfortable with Masisi working with people they do not trust. The truth is that opposition parties are very strong nowadays and our party needs people who are dedicated and trust with its issues,” he said.
As part of their strategy, Team Masisi had launched a Masisi Facebook page on Tuesday so that he can interact with members, particularly the youth.
Besides the Vice President and the two high profile Seretses - Tebelelo and Ramadeluka - the race for the BDP chairmanship has so far attracted a number of political greenhorns. These include the MP for Tati West Biggie Butale and businessmen, Moemedi Dijeng and Seteng Motalaote. There are some members who feel that Tebelelo Seretse was leading the race campaigns, until this past Monday. Mmegi spoke to Seretse who was on her way to South Africa and she said that she was not aware of any endorsement of Masisi.
“What I know, however, is that there is a councillor from Bobonong who was in a meeting with the VP, who had asked him if he would be standing for the chairmanship. The response was in the affirmative and that’s all I know. There was no such statement as an endorsement of Masisi,” said Seretse.
Seretse said she regards Masisi as a candidate who is in the race as an individual, and not as the Vice President.