Practical realities and options for Barataphati

We take it that by now the psychological trauma suffered by the Young Turks in the Barataphati faction of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) towards the end of last year has subsided.

Perhaps it is now time to be charting the way forward for the faction that was cruelly maneuvered into a tight corner after it registered a hard-won victory at the controversial Kanye congress in July. We start this piece by looking at how young members of the BDP advancing progressive thoughts have been (mis)handled in a bid to silence them during the presidency of the party's four leaders: Sir Seretse Khama, Sir Ketumile Masire, Festus Mogae and now Ian Khama. Thereafter, we provide three options and their viability for the Barataphati to ponder in order to salvage their political careers. The first option being to remain in the party and hope that things change for the better. The second option is to quit the BDP as individuals and join existing opposition parties. The final option is for the Barataphati to turn their backs on the BDP as a block, form their own party and enter into an alliance with one of the established opposition parties.  

Throughout history of the BDP positions of money and influence in the party and government have always been held by a tiny clique whose members are carefully selected and tightly controlled. Progressive ideas by youthful members of the party meant to modernize it and widen its internal democratic space have always been dismissed by the leadership. The plight of the Barataphati Young Turks can be understood in the context of this BDP's strong tradition which is traceable to the 1970s.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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