Mohwasa calls it quits

TSHIRELETSO MOTLOGELWA
Staff Writer | Tuesday May 4, 2010 00:00

 

In a statement released to Mmegi yesterday, Mohwasa indicated that he will not be contesting the upcoming elections during the July congress in Mochudi. 'I have come to the hard decision not to defend my position in the coming congress. I came to the decision so that I can have more time to attend to my personal affairs and also serve the party and indeed the country in a different capacity' said Mohwasa. Mohwasa thanked party members for electing him to his present position and assisting him in delivering his duties. 'The support they have availed since the 2005 Ledumang Congress has been overwhelming,' he said. Mohwasa, the spokesperson of the party at a time when the central committee was involved in combat with a faction of the party called the Temporary Platform, parried criticism that he often received.

'As the party's publicity secretary and a member believing in the cause of the party I have always made it a point in consultation with fellow committee members that the BNF is responsive to issues of national concern.

What I communicated as the publicity secretary contrary to what some comrades maliciously peddled were always decisions of the party leadership. I do not regret even a single statement that I issued on behalf of the party during the two terms I served as the party's spokesperson. I have always endeavoured to the best of my ability to communicate what represents the party position,' argued Mohwasa.

Mohwasa warned the party not to indulge in factionalism. 'Our struggle without unity will collapse the party,' he warned. He declined to comment on whether he would stand in the 2014 general elections as a candidate of the party. He lost the Selebi-Phikwe constituency in the last elections, which was won by Botswana Congress Party president, Gilson Saleshando. Mohwasa has served two terms in his current position, after being elected in the Ledumang Congress in 2004.