Rakgare's Litmus Test
Innocent Selatlhwa | Monday December 10, 2018 14:44
Rakgare has not resigned from his position as College Administrator at the Institute of Labour and Employment Studies (ILES), which is owned by the union ahead of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) primary elections he is expected to partake in over the weekend.
Rakgare will contest for the BDP primaries against former legislator Patrick Masimolole, Aaron Radira, Kgang Kgang in a bid to replace Tshepang Mabaila who has been slapped with a five-year suspension from the ruling party.
According to BOPEU general secretary, Topias Marenga, Rakgare has to resign from his position if he wishes to hold a seat in political office.
“We took a resolution at congress that we will remain politically neutral. This goes from the union level and down to our structures. Whoever wishes to stand for political office will have to resign,” he said. Marenga said they expect Rakgare to do the same if he wishes to contest for elections. He, however, said he was not in a position to confirm whether or not Rakgare has handed in his resignation letter.
Marenga said it has always been the case even before Rakgare that their employees resign before contesting for political office. He gave an example of Victor Phologolo who resigned to contest for Botswana National Front (BNF) primaries in Kanye South.
Marenga, however, said they do not have a problem with employees associating with their political parties of choice. Rakgare surprised many by quitting the BCP to join the BDP after he had said he wanted to concentrate on his professional growth.
“I have long told my employer, BOPEU, that I am no longer active and won’t be standing for any political office for the next 10 years, because I want to focus on my professional growth,” Rakgare was quoted by Mmegi earlier this year.
“I feel I am working for a very good apolitical institution that respects the political choices of their diverse membership. They have given me a chance and I am committed to repaying their faith in me.”Rakgare would not comment on the latest matter.