VT, BDP at daggers drawn over 'unruliness'
Staff Writer | Friday July 24, 2020 18:32
President and leader of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Mokgweetsi Masisi, slapped Seretse – his perceived rival during the past administration – on July 15, 2020 with the suspension.
“Reference is made to your Facebook post of the 9th April 2020 wherein you state that BDP members were brainwashed into supporting the six-month State of Emergency when they were called to the State House for briefing and also your Facebook post of the 25th April 2020 where you castigated the government of the day for not affording Ineeleng Pty Ltd, an opportunity to photo shoot with powers that be,” Masisi informed Seretse in his suspension as a member of the BDP.
Masisi reminded him that he was exercising powers conferred on him by the BDP rules and regulations and general code of conduct. Effectively (on suspension), VT as Seretse is affectionally known, has ceased being a member of the ruling party for 60 days pending investigation into allegations and disciplinary action in light of the complaints laid against him. BDP insiders have long seen this coming.
They say Seretse was pegged as the next vice president (VP) had Masisi been sacked from the position in 2017. Ironically, Seretse was reportedly one of those who told Masisi to his face at the fateful 2017 Cabinet meeting that he did not have confidence in his leadership.
He was allegedly supported in his stance against Masisi by then colleagues Biggie Butale and Tshekedi Khama, amongst others.
Other Cabinet ministers such as Sadique Kebonang, Shaw Kgathi and Slumber Tsogwane threw their full weight behind Masisi.
It is alleged that when Masisi’s sacking was due, the then spy chief, Isaac Kgosi, blocked it.
Kgosi, former president Ian Khama and Seretse, who never expressed interest in becoming VP, are now victims of witch-hunt, some BDP faithfuls alleged.
Others have reasoned VT has committed no offence and allege he is simply being victimised because he was once considered for the position of VP.
Now the Sword of Damocles is hovering over the heads of those who are perceived enemies of the President. Insiders say BDP Members of Parliament and councillors who are always holding the party at ransom, threatening to decamp to opposition, specifically the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), will also be called to order very soon.