BPF In Tussle Over Party Symbol

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday September 9, 2019 11:52

The political new-kid-on-the block, Botswana Patriotic Front is already being accused of dishonourable behaviour for allegedly muscling the 'ke nako' symbol from its owner. PIC: KEOAGILE BONANG

Boitumelo Kedikilwe, popularly known as Tintos, said he had registered the watch symbol at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to contest the 2019 general elections as an independent candidate.

However, he revealed that the BPF leadership approached him so that their party could use the watch symbol.

Kedikilwe said the BPF leadership had promised him that he would represent the party for a council seat at Kgosing ward in Serowe West constituency and also pay him as appreciation for agreeing to hand over his symbol to the party.

“We did not agree on the amount of money they would give me. I was simply impressed that I will be contesting under the new party. What shocked and pained me is that I found out that the Serowe West structure has found someone to replace me without my knowledge,” said Kedikilwe.

“I have never thought they would do that to me. I could not have terminated my symbol or given it to them had I known they would do that to me.”

He said when the BPF leadership wanted him to terminate his symbol after IEC rejected them and told them that he was using the watch symbol, they were the ones who drafted the request letter for him.

“On that day, they booked accommodation for me. I was with my wife and Serowe West chairperson. Things have now turned around and they no longer want to give me proper answers. At least they should pay for the symbol as a way of appreciation,” he said.

Kedikilwe said the BPF leadership was now blocking him from meeting the party patron, Ian Khama, to raise his concerns with him. Kedikilwe has now registered with the IEC as an independent candidate with a different symbol for the same Kgosing ward, he had initially intended to contest with the watch symbol.

Reached for comment, BPF president, Biggie Butale confirmed: “It is true that Kedikilwe withdrew his watch symbol from IEC and BPF is using it”, but said, “There was no agreement that was made. It is true Kedikilwe phoned me and we were supposed to meet at the manifesto launch, but he never came. I am not aware if he had an agreement with anyone concerning the symbol”.

However, Kedikilwe maintained that Butale was one of the people who came to Serowe to convince him to withdraw his symbol to pave for the party’s.