Khama threatens action against Moswaane
Onalenna Kelebeile | Monday July 6, 2015 17:17
Speaking during the party’s national congress on Friday, Khama said that such cynical utterances about the party catapult in indiscipline, and violate the party’s constitution. He added that members who malign the BDP are irresponsible and undermine the party’s values.
The President said that the individual in question had benefited from the party’s relentless efforts to put him in Parliament.
“Do not be surprised if I take appropriate actions against him. I am wondering what is really derailing you,” he said.
Although he did not name the individual, it is widely believed that this was a jab at Francistown West MP, Ignatius Moswaane.
During the last Parliament sitting, Moswaane had tabled a motion calling on Khama to appear before legislators to explain what he has done for Batswana this year. The maverick legislator also wanted to know if Khama is fulfilling promises he made during his last year’s election campaigns.
When delivering his speech during the Mmadinare elective congress, Khama further said he would instruct the new communications sub committee and disciplinary committee to closely monitor mainline and social media and take action against ill-disciplined people. He noted that such negative comments are common on radio stations, newspapers and online social networks.
Meanwhile, Khama urged party members to ensure solidarity and tolerance of each other within the party and underline the need to focus on party and national interests, rather than personal interests. He also thanked democrats for helping him rid the party of factions.
“We do not however need individual contests and rivalry to replace those that the factions produced. I am hopeful that what we witnessed in the last primary elections where those who lost did not accept the results will be a thing of the past,” he said.
Khama also expressed hope that going forward, the Siele Commission would ensure better application of the party primary elections and added that the central committee has already embarked in that process.
He also pleaded with those running for central committee positions to go into elections knowing that they will either win or lose.
“Approach elections knowing the basis of democracy and principles of winning and losing. Let us refrain from allowing the election process to divide us as the party. Lead in walking the path of unity because it is only when we work together that we can win more supporters and friends even from opposition ranks,” he said.
Khama warned that if they become intolerant and divisive it would lead to the party losing seats at national elections. He also advised delegates to be vigilant and elect people who will embrace and promote unity not to divide party members, those who will follow the party agenda not their own agendas and those who will put the party in good standing for the 2019 general elections and are willing to stand for party interests.
Khama also said that continuous recruitment and engagement with the electorate is critical and expressed the need to revive the party structures.
He said such structures are need to reassure Batswana that BDP remains the party of choice and said even the opposition knows very well that BDP remains the party that can take Botswana to greater heights.
“BDP has the best people in all aspects to deliver to the expectations of Batswana. The opposition has proven to offer no hope, have no clue how to do things and cannot point to any direction this country should take.So if you are hopeless, clueless and pointless it makes you of no use to this country therefore useless,” he added.
Khama however advised democrats not to allow the numerous victories over that last 50 years to make them complacent and take future victories for granted.