Khama magic on overdrive

RYDER GABATHUSE
Staff Writer | Friday July 13, 2012 00:00

Former president Festus Mogae introduced Khama, the eldest son of Botswana's founding father, Sir Seretse Khama, to politics to leverage on the enduring reverence for the Khama name. Mogae, whose presidency was rocked by serious infighting in the ruling party, roped in Khama to secure his presidency following recommendations of late South African political scientist, Professor Lawrence Schlemmer.Khama lost sight of his mandate and got lost in the factional warfare. 

He became the leader of a faction initially known as Mogae-Khama. The faction would later metamorphose into Nkate-Merafhe and later the A-team. Factionalism became entrenched in BDP ranks. Mogae stuck by Khama through it all.To many, the ironic was unfolding; the ship Khama was entrusted with to steer to calm waters was sinking. He was failing to live up to the mandate that saw him resigning from the helm of the army. Although he successfully led the BDP to the 2009 general elections, he has been struggling to bring peace to the ruling party.The BDP witnessed its first split under Khama in 2010, which brought about the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD).

While Khama mellowed down after the split and became more receptive to dissenting views, his much touted gift as a master strategist became apparent. He set to work on wooing back defectors, an insurmountable task that he seems to be making a success of.The BDP has started attracting even the unlikeliest politicians from the opposition. He has already made a success of his campaign, and still counting.BMD founders, MPs Guma Moyo, Botsalo Ntuane and campaigner, Kabo Morwaeng, make part of his growing trophy cabinet. Former BNF MP Mephato Reatile has also succumbed to Khama's charms. Khama's BDP also won former BNF vice president, Olebile Gaborone, to its fold not long ago. Gaborone had previous experience in the BDP though.

Leader of Opposition in Parliament and Botswana Congress Party (BCP) president, Dumelang Saleshando recently said Khama is not what he seems to be from a distance.'He is a master strategist and he pursues his targets vigorously. You can only undermine his strength at your own peril,' he said.Khama once had Saleshando on his radar but the young politician resisted the Khama magic.Perhaps Saleshando's BCP comrade, Bagalatia Arone would not follow his lead. The Okavango MP has started dancing to Khama's tune to the extent that his constituents are doubtful if the man will still be a BCP MP come 2014.Even Saleshando is aware of the worries of the Okavango constituents.

The situation is so serious that even the BDP man in Okavango, Vister Moruti is alleged to have said that come 2014, Arone will be a BDP candidate while he (Moruti) will turn up in BCP colours.The Khama magic is seeing better days as things continue to swing Khama's way.  BDP deputy executive secretary, Lee Lesetedi is upbeat that the party's chief campaigner is doing a tremendous job. He said it is evident that he is succeeding in solidifying the party.'Besides unity, Khama's leadership style is able to attract politicians from across the political divide.Going to the 2014 general elections, BDP will be a powerful machinery,' Lesetedi said.