BDP man lands BNYC top job

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Thursday November 12, 2009 00:00

 

The former Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) political and administration manager has been given a three-year contract, a BNYC press advert has said.

The post became vacant after its previous holder, Ndulamo Morima fell out with the board and got fired. The sacking was seen in some quarters as a political move by the ruling party, which had earlier complained that the BNYC was de-campaigning its candidates through constituency debates.

After the appointment of Molao, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) spokesperson and Gaborone Central MP, Dumelang Saleshando said the youth organisation is being politicised by the BDP. He said that there is a pattern where the BNYC is being used as a BDP springboard to prepare party cadres for leadership positions. He cited former Kgatleng council chairperson, Mpho Moruakgomo and Shoshong legislator, Phillip Makgalemele who have been past executive directors of the BNYC.

'This over-politicisation of the youth organisation exposes it to unnecessary turbulence. It no longer represents the youth of Botswana but rather the BDP youth wing. It is interesting that the BDP which has been accusing trade unions of being opposition activists, continues to politicise the BNYC,' he said.

Botswana National Front (BNF) spokesman, Moeti Mohwasa shared Saleshando's sentiments, that the youth organisation is being politicised for the BDP's benefit. He said that the BDP uses the BNYC as a platform to target youth in an effort to recruit them in to the party.

'So it is not surprising that Molao has been appointed to the position. It is a ploy to use him to recruit more members,' he said.

However BDP executive secretary Dr Comma Serema has said that the opposition should respect the decision of the BNYC appointing authority in hiring Molao.

'Is it wrong, for example when I have been working here (at BDP) as an administrator and then I get another post at an organisation? I was hired here not because of my politics but on merit and the same applies to Molao at his new job,' he said.

Molao himself has said he got the post fair and square. He said the job was advertised and he was interviewed with other applicants before the panel settled for him. 'I believe that whoever gets appointed in this position, whether he is BDP, BNF or BCP is not representing any party. There is only one mandate-youth empowerment. I believe in equal opportunities. I shouldn't be disadvantaged because I am BDP. I am not going there to advance BDP but youth issues. I am proud to be associated with the BDP as a member and that should not in any way be used against me or anyone,' he said.

BNYC chairperson, Chomi Letlole said that there was no politics in the appointment of Molao. He said critics should note that like any Motswana, Molao applied for the post and was chosen from 47 people that had shown interest in the position.

'We had hired some independent people (to do the recruitment), who are not affiliated to any party so that there can be fairness in the process,' he said.

Efforts to contact former executive directors Makgalemele and Moruakgomo were futile as their mobile phones were off.