Bid to block BPF congress in Kanye
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday July 5, 2019 09:30
Mmegi has learnt that some people have been trying to influence their chief to make an announcement or statement regarding the matter.
The BPF which ahs the support of the former president Ian Khama is expected to hold their congress in Kanye over the weekend to elect their party leadership and draw a plan on how they will work with other opposition parties in order to topple the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
“It is true we are having a kgotla meeting tomorrow. I cannot say the agenda of the meeting. It is good for you to come and hear what people are saying.
I think every party has the right to hold any meeting in any place they want. They don’t need my permission because they are not using my Kgotla area. I am not going to be involved in any political issues. I am a chief and my role is to unite people,” Kgosi Malope said.
He denied that he has been receiving calls from some BDP people in the area to block the BPF from meeting in Kanye. Mmegi has learnt that some influential people in Kanye had pressured Kgosi to call his tribe so that the issue could be discussed.
According to a source, the meeting issue is expected to be raised from the floor by concerned members not the chief and Malope would advise after people have expressed their views. The District Commissioner and some police officers in the area would attend the meeting.
Reached for comment, the BPF convenor and Tati West legislator Biggie Butale said he would not be surprised if that was to happen and obviously they are aware who the instigator is.
“It’s the same person who locked up Tsholofelo Park. It’s the same person who delayed our registration with the Registrar of Societies.
It’s the same person who delayed our registration with the Independent Electoral Commission and frustrated our efforts to have the colours we wanted.
It’s the same person who’s a danger to democracy in Botswana,” Butale said without naming the person he was referring to. He added that in October Batswana must take their country back from the same person.
“The Kgotla can’t overrule the Constitution of Botswana and take away the rights of association. It is a futile exercise.”