Monang resigns from BNF-YL amidst squabbles

EUNICE MASIE
Correspondent | Friday January 18, 2013 00:00

In his resignation, Monang reportedly stated that secretary general Arafat Khan and acting vice president Tona Selala have hijacked the party and are using it to their own advantage.

In his letter, Monang pointed out that another reason for his resignation was that duties of the committee are now aimed at pleasing the aforementioned individuals. 'Khan and Selala are using the committee to satisfy their needs. It is no longer about representing the youth but satisfying themselves,' he said. He also said the BNFYL was never given a platform to address and discuss issues of importance as they are often swept under the carpet. He said when sub committees forwarded their proposals to the central committee, those who run the league for the presidents' faction are always repressed. 'The central committee is aimed at cultivating youth meant to represent the country, but the issues brought forth by the youth and Womens' Leagues are never addressed without prior examination.'

He added that the BNF youth are no longer given the opportunity to make decisions as the procedure which gives the opportunity to do so has been replaced by specific members in the BNFYL central committee who have named themselves 'executives'. Monang also accused the committee of tribalisation. He claimed that he was often referred to as 'Mokgalagatsana' especially when he brought up issues that affected Bakgalagadi. He expressed disappointment that the central committee treats tribalism with kid gloves. 

When contacted for comment, Khan said Monang should resign from the party because he hasn't brought any major influence, which could benefit the youth league. 'Monang hasn't been active in the committee since he was elected into position in 2010. As far as I know, he hasn't participated in any meetings and his suspension was to be raised in the next meeting,' he said. He also accused Monang of being disruptive. He claimed that whenever the young man was present he instigated chaos in the committee and youth league office. 'We usually have monthly meetings but whenever Monang was present he stirred emotions and never contributed to the growth of the committee,' Khan said. With regard to the Basarwa matter, Khan said Monang has an inferiority complex and that's why he claimed he was chided. He said there was never any mention of Basarwa in their meetings.

Monang reportedly submitted his resignation letter on the eve of the meeting where his position in the committee was to be discussed. He has also been accused of stealing files and documents from the party office and giving them over to his handlers. Khan stressed that he wished Monang would leave the party permanently and join Gabriel Kanjabanga who was banned from the party on account of misconduct.