BDP to hold crucial talks March 27

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Friday February 5, 2010 00:00

Serema has however denied assertions that the secret report, which is said to have recommended the suspension of the likes of Member of Parliament (MP) Botsalo Ntuane and attorney Sidney Pilane for misconduct, would be discussed at the meeting. The duo are part of the Barata-Phathi faction members who had been in the forefront, aiding suspended former secretary general Gomolemo Motswaledi's court battle against President Ian Khama last year.

Serema declined to discuss the report saying it was internal and 'at a very early stage to be discussed at a forum like the national council'.

The executive secretary said the theme, which was decided at the party politburo's session last weekend, was aimed at addressing the factionalism in the party. Since the contentious July congress held in Kanye last year the factionalism within the BDP has been at its peak. At some point three members of the victorious Barata-Phathi faction resigned from the central committee in a power-struggle that saw their posts filled by adherents of the vanquished A-team faction.  

Dr Serema has said that the theme is built around President Khama's Five Ds.  The President will open the council while Secretary General Thato Kwerepe will present the central committee's report.

Serema said BDP treasurer Satar Dada will give a financial report as well. Because the council is held to review and consider national development policy, it is also expected to discuss how the country has fared in the wake of global economic recession.

Ministers of Education and Skills Development, Finance and Development Planning and Local Government are also expected to give reports and enthuse discussions on the national budget and how government intends to forge ahead to improve these three important sectors of government.