Uneasy compromise for BDP in Tsabong North
Zolani Kraai | Thursday December 15, 2016 16:23
Fred Cooper, Osenotse Fox, James Samson and Cortzee had shown interest in succeeding the late Mmuso Kgannyeng who died last month.
Mmegi has learnt that Cortzee’s name emerged after a tense compromise meeting, during which Samson reportedly protested that he had long-term experience and greater contribution to the party.
It is understood local party elders convinced him to give way to the youthful Cortzee who is the chairperson of the Kgalagadi South BDP Youth.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, the BDP secretary general, Botsalo Ntuane confirmed Cortzee’s nomination, citing the party’s 2016 Mogoditshane congress which resolved that, “where possible, consensus candidates must be explored and willingly agreed upon”.
Efforts to secure a comment from the party’s branch chairperson, Reuben Mosimenyane proved futile as his cellphone rang unanswered. Meanwhile, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) will be represented by veteran politician, Andries Ntau, who was toppled by the late Kgannyeng in 2014.
Ntau, from the Botswana National Front (BNF), told Mmegi that the branch leadership had extended its support for him to contest the by-election. Ntau has been the ward’s councillor since 1999, before his surprise loss in 2014. BNF publicity secretary, Justin Hunyepa said the party had confidence in Ntau.
“Following our secretary general’s visit to Tsabong recently to consult with the party structures, we are obliged to endorse and field Ntau in the by-election,” Hunyepa said.
In the other by-election for the Boikago/Madiba ward in Palapye, the BDP will hold primaries this Saturday for three aspirants, Malebogo Orapeleng, Boitshoko Kinnear and Thabo Dimeku who will wrestle for the party’s candidacy this Saturday.
The writ for the Boikago/Madiba by-elections is yet to be announced by the Local Government and Rural Development minister, Slumber Tsogwane.
In the other by-election for Rasesa, the BDP will field Daniel Molokwe. The by-elections come after the deaths of the Boikago/Madiba councillor, Gobonetse Richie Kenosi, and Rasesa councillor, Seasebeng Monyake.