Masisi Warns 'New Jerusalem'
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday November 26, 2018 18:00
Masisi told members that their party is under attack from a small group within using that moniker.
The president was addressing BDP members who attended a team-building meeting at Ngwaketse Junior Secondary School in Kanye when he highlighted the party’s affliction.
The purpose of the meeting was to update members on the status of the party and inform them about the latest challenges that the BDP faces.
The meeting was attended by all party structures from Kanye, Moshupa/Manyana and Jwaneng/Mabutsane constituencies.
“The president emphasised that he is not going to tolerate any kind of factionalism in the party. He asked the so-called ‘New Jerusalem’ members to stand up, but none stood up.
He said he got some leaked WhatsApp conversations from the group. He sternly told the meeting that he would summon some of the people to answer before a disciplinary committee (hearing),” a source, who attended the meeting, said.
“He told members that if they do not desist from what they are doing some of them would be expelled or suspended from the party.
The president told them that there is no one who is bigger than the BDP and he would ensure that there is peace and stability within BDP.”
On the issue of the dispute between him and former president Ian Khama, the source said Masisi told members that he would try to build peace with him.
He assured members that a national congress would be held.
BDP secretary general, Mpho Balopi confirmed that the president told members action would be taken against those planting seeds of discord by forming the alleged faction, ‘New Jerusalem’.
“It is true action will be taken against those members. There is no party, which encourages indiscipline within it,” Balopi said.
“On the issue of the congress, the president said the constitution needs to be respected, but again it does not mean that some issues should not be looked at when the need arises. Only two constituencies are suggesting that the elective congress be postponed.”