Grudge against VT?
Staff Writer | Wednesday July 22, 2020 15:09
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) President Mokgweetsi Masisi slapped Seretse, his perceived rival in the past administration, on July 15, 2020 with 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 months 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 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 Rules and Regulations and General Code and Conduct of the BDP. Effectively, 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 destined to be the vice president if Masisi was sacked from the position sometime in 2017. Ironically, Seretse was reportedly one of those who told Masisi to his face during that fateful Cabinet meeting that he did not have confidence in his leadership. He was allegedly supported in his stance against Masisi by the then colleagues Biggie Butale, Tshekedi Khama among others.
Other Cabinet Ministers such as Sadique Kebonang, Shaw Kgathi and Slumber Tsogwane threw their full weight behind Masisi. It is alleged that when the sacking was due, the then spy chief Isaac Kgosi blocked it. Kgosi, former president Ian Khama and Seretse who never said he wanted to be the vice president are now victims of witch hunt, some BDP faithfuls alleged. Otherwise, they reasoned, VT has caused no offence at all. He is simply being victimised because he was once considered for the position of vice president.
And the sword of Damocles is hovering above the heads of those who are perceived enemies of the President. Insiders say the BDP Members of Parliament and councillors who are always are holding the party at ransom threatening to decamp to the opposition Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) will also be called to order very soon.