Tlokweng cllrs plot to dump BMD
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday October 19, 2017 16:56
Yesterday, highly placed sources told Mmegi that they will announce their new political homes after a key meeting, which was scheduled to be held yesterday afternoon.
Tlokweng constituency has nine wards, with four Botswana National Front (BNF) councillors, four from the BMD and one from the Botswana Congress Party (BCP). Tlokweng is a BNF stronghold.
It is understood within the BMD, two of the councillors including the South East District chairman Phenyo Segokgo, are said to be undecided about joining the Alliance for Progressives (AP), but could opt for the Botswana National Front (BNF) in a bid to save their political careers in the party’s stronghold. One councillor is expected to defect to AP this week, while the other is set to join the BNF.
Segokgo of Sefhoke ward, Dichabe Seitshiro of Tlokweng Central and Kenneth Kgosimore of Lesunyaneng ward are reportedly leaning against joining the new party although they are still consulting with the people. Seitshiro in particular says the AP is not an option for him. The three told Mmegi yesterday that they were yet to make a final decision on the matter.
“Yes, we are likely to make a collective decision but everyone is entitled to his discretion. By the end of next week, we will have taken a decision on the matter. Tlokweng is different from other constituencies and people are clear on what they want.
“They could punish a person if he/she goes against their will,” Segokgo said. For his part, Seitshiro said he will be guided by the people’s wishes.
“I am representing people and any decision I take should benefit them also. I cannot join the new party. The residents of Tlokweng central have different opinions on the matter.
The majority want me to join one of the old existing parties while a few want me to stay in the BMD. Our constituency is complicated,” he said. Kgosimore of Lesunyaneng ward said he had initiated discussions with the electorate when the BMD first ran into problems.
“Of course I have been consulting the residents, but the issue of joining other parties is a different one altogether. I cannot say my position now. Any decision that I make should be one which will benefit both Lesunyaneng people and me,” Kgosimore said.
Although he was unavailable to comment, Mmegi understands the BMD’s fourth councillor in Tlokweng, Baitapisi Leinane of Metlhabeng ward, is destined to join the AP.