Merafhe to address factionalism in Francistown

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Wednesday February 17, 2010 00:00

 

The vice-president who is also a central committee member was sent to the second city December last year after allegations of improper conduct were leveled against some BDP operatives.

The Francistown region is known to have been divided with some BDP councilors on the A-team whilst others are die-hard Barata-Phathi factionalists. There had been reports of sabotage where some councilors were said to have defied a party caucus decision on whom to support for the mayoral position.

Shadrack Nyeku, who later won the mayoral elections, was fingered at the caucus but however some councilors from the A-Team faction defied the decision and brought in new names.

Former mayor Buti Billy sought re-election whilst James Kgalajwe made a pot shot at the deputy mayorship but was unsuccessful. As planned at the caucus meeting, Nyeku became mayor with Stanley Masalila as his deputy. The duo of Nyeku and Masalila are associated with the Barata-Phathi faction.

Chairman of Francistown region Botho Ntirang confirmed that Merafhe was coming to address an internal party meeting, but refused to say what the subject of the meeting would be.

On the other hand, BDP executive secretary Dr Comma Serema said that Merafhe would try to bring peace between the warring factions among the Francistown councilors.

Factionalism in council elections also dogged the ruling BDP in Selibe Phikwe after a caucus decision was disregarded by a councilor who closed ranks with the opposition. Lekang Mukokomani who has since been suspended from the BDP became the Selebi-Phikwe mayor, instead of using his casting vote to choose a BDP councillor during a tie in the deputy mayor's race, opted for an opposition candidate.