BDP councillors won�t ditch Modenga
Chakalisa Dube | Friday September 2, 2016 15:30
Modenga’s future as the deputy mayor has been a subject of endless speculation in recent weeks.
Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi recently instructed the party councillors in Francistown to meet and decide the fate of the deputy mayor. Masisi directed that the BDP caucus should be binding and respected.
In recent months there has been indications that some councillors were not happy with Modenga who they often accused of missing council proceedings without leave. At one point Modenga was also accused of not working hand in hand with the mayor, Sylvia Muzila.
Councillors are also said to have felt that the controversy surrounding the deputy mayor is tarnishing the image of the party, which is why they wanted him to be recalled.
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) is also investigating Modenga. The deputy mayor has also been engaged in several civil court battles in recent months. However, Mmegi has learnt that the BDP councillors recently held a caucus together with the party regional leadership and at the meeting it was agreed that the councillors should back Modenga and Muzila.
“Modenga was also advised that whenever he is not well he should communicate effectively with the council structures. What we learnt during the meeting is that at times he missed council proceedings because of illness. “However, during his absence councillors were not aware of that because it appears there was no effective communication between Modenga and the relevant structures,” said one insider who attended the caucus.
Insiders also said the caucus agreed that Modenga should be left alone to deal with his legal problems as they are private.
Modenga recently confirmed to Mmegi that the councillors and the regional leadership caucus agreed to back him and the mayor.
“The meeting was not meant to decide my future with regards to my position as the deputy mayor as speculated. It was merely to encourage me and the mayor as well as other councillors to work together,” said the Moselewapula councillor.
Modenga also said his legal battles remain private and should not be linked with his position as the mayor. “Like any other person I do encounter problems,” he said.
Yesterday BDP Francistown region secretary, Raoboy Mpuang said he is not aware of the caucus although some party insiders confirmed his attendance.
Regional chairman Sabelo Matikiti’s phone rang unanswered. Both Matikiti and Mpuang have in recent times professed ignorance when asked about some party meetings.