Tawana did not boycott BDP rally -Lelathego

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Thursday June 10, 2010 00:00

 

This comes in the wake of reports that the legislator snubbed the BDP rally, because he is considering jumping ship to the BMD. Tawana had indicated that he would be absent so as to attend the funeral of former Finance Minister, Baledzi Gaolathe who was buried in Gaborone last Saturday.

Lelathego has said that Tawana 'was absent because he was attending the funeral. When BDP people in Maun wanted to know where he was they were told he was in Gaborone for the funeral. I don't think Tawana needs to boycott a rally to show that he is no longer interested in the BDP. Actually the man commands a lot of support here such that if he was to join the BMD or to stand as an independent candidate he would win because he has endeared himself to the people of Maun,' he said.

The former secretary said Tawana consolidated his power and strength in his constituency and the whole of Maun some weeks ago during the vice-president Mompati Merafhe's visit to Maun.

'Tawana spoke well for his people, especially when he complained that this government has a low esteem of Batawana, more particularly in land allocation where someone from outside (Maun) will be given a plot, whilst as locals here we are told there is no land. Gone jaana o nale seriti thata mono (now he is held in high regard by the constituents),' he said.

Meanwhile Lelathego said BDP secretary general Thato Kwerepe, publicity chief Segaetsho Garekwe and a few branch leaders addressed the rally, whilst 'ministers like Kentse Rammidi whom we had been told was coming over, did not pitch up,' he said.On the other hand BDP president Ian Khama who was expected to be the chief speaker was also absent as he was on a state visit to Cuba.

Meanwhile branch chairperson, Motlagong Mauchadza, who is said to have also addressed the rally refused to field Mmegi questions whilst Tawana did not answer his mobile phone by the time of going to press.