BNF welcomes 160 BDP defectors

RYDER GABATHUSE
Staff Writer | Thursday November 4, 2010 00:00

It is understood the activists will be officially welcomed to the BNF at a victory rally for Tonota West councillor, Lemme Kgopa on Saturday.

Kgopa was one of the politicians who made history in last year's general elections, when he broke the BDP domination in Tonota West and ousted councillor Dithabano Olopeng. He garnered 1,001 votes to Olopeng's 696. His votes were touted to be the highest in the ward since independence. Two other BNF councillors ousted BDP civic leaders in the constituency.

This gives BNF three councillors, while the BDP has four in the constituency. 'I have every reason to celebrate my victory because some of the people who helped me win were drawn from the BDP and have since joined the BNF,' says Kgopa.

'The weekend event will merely be parading the defectors. We want to show the doubters that it is true that some BDP members have indeed defected to the BNF.'

The victory party will be held at the John Phooko Primary School in Tonota, while the afternoon rally will be at the Segolobe Freedom Square.

The BDP activists reportedly defected to the BNF immediately Kgopa declared his interest to contest Tonota West ward from Gaborone where he was a councillor before he relocated home.

'The ex-BDP members chose to join the BNF because they were impressed by my previous record where I championed the rights of the downtrodden and generally the disadvantaged groups.'

Kgopa is elated that the BNF's 2009 elections record generally reflects hope that the party stands a good chance of winning the parliamentary seat in 2014. BDP executive secretary, Dr Comma Serema said yesterday that he was not aware of the exodus from the party.

'We have not yet received any report to that effect from Tonota South constituency,' he said. 

He stated despite reports of dissatisfaction, the BDP is giving Tonota South constituency the attention it deserves.

'We are working in Tonota South with a view to reversing the 2009 results where the opposition has three councillors for the first time since independence,' he explained.

'Kgopa could have a temporary reprieve for now, but when we come to Tonota West, we will be able to turn the tables and show that the area is our stronghold,' he warned.