Selebi-Phikwe BDP councillors reconcile with Mukokomani

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Thursday March 11, 2010 00:00

Mukokomani made the situation worse when he nominated an opposition councillor to deputise him. Some of the councillors had even written a letter to the town clerk, Kutlwano Matenge calling for the nullification of the mayoral elections. In the letter that was written to Matenge, councillors Mmidi Phuduhudu, Tshiamo Ikaneng, Godfrey Mbaiwa and Tebogo Matlhogonolo served as complainants.

In the latest developments, BDP councillors have written a letter to the BDP disciplinary committee withdrawing complaints against Mukokomani. According to the letter that Mmegi is in possession of, the councillors say they are withdrawing the matter after intensive consultation with party members from both constituencies.

They realised that the issue had the potential to divide the party.  The letter has been signed by Dorcas Letlhogela, Letsweletse Dinale, and Gaofenngwe Mokgwathi as witnesses and the complainants are Matlhogonolo, Mbaiwa, and Ikaneng. Chairpersons of both constituencies have also signed.

'We took into consideration that since he was elected the mayor, Mukokomani has not shown any animosity in dealing with his fellow BDP members. We are happy to state that councillors particularly from the BDP have reconciled and further we can state clearly the good and harmonious working relationship that exists among councillors and believe this is attributed to Mukokomani's good leadership,' reads the letter in part.

The letter goes on to mention that during the meetings that prompted the writing of the letter, Mukokomani had accepted that he had erred by accepting nomination of the mayoral position contrary to the party caucus. The matter is now in the hands of the disciplinary committee to decide if they want to continue with the hearing against Mukokomani when they meet on Saturday (March 13th). According to the BDP rules and disciplinary regulations article 18.1, the complainant may with leave of the disciplinary committee and for reasons to be stated on the record of the proceedings withdraw the complaint at any time before all the evidence in support of the complaint has been led.

Contacted for comment on the decision that the councillors have taken, disciplinary committee secretary, Lee Lesetedi says he will only comment on the matter after it has been resolved over the weekend.

Mukokomani has also written a letter to the disciplinary committee in which he states that he had enough time with both complainants and the party leadership from both constituencies where they all seem determined to heal old wounds. He said that the BDP members are now determined to forgive each other and not fall into the same pitfalls in future. 'This will be a good lesson to be emulated by other democrats,' he said.

One of the councillors, who wanted to remain anonymous, said they want to start campaigning for the 2014 general elections now. He mentioned that they do not want to repeat the same mistakes of division that made them lose Selebi-Phikwe West. He said his only wish is to see his fellow democrats working together as one. He observed that friction between BDP councillors does not benefit anyone. 'We have seen during recent kgotla meetings held around town that people like Mukokomani. They come in large numbers to listen to him. If we chase him from the party it will be a disaster. If we do that, we should forget about Selebi-Phikwe. My colleagues should also not forget that the two constituencies are marginable,' he remarked. The councillor said his colleagues should not waste their energy on petty issues but focus on working for the party.

Bontleng councillor, Tshiamo Ikaneng confirmed that they have written a letter to the disciplinary committee. He noted that though they have reconciled with Mukokomani, it is up to the committee to make the final decision.  Ikaneng also believes that Mukokomani should not be expelled from the party.