The BDP welcoming event was a no-show

In the run-up to the rally, the media was awash with news that the BDP was going to welcome into its fold, more than 300 members from the opposition. The announcement went into overdrive when, on Saturday morning and afternoon, BDP vehicles drove about announcing that even some opposition councillors would be welcomed at the event.

In the final analysis, only Philip Butale, Bothoeng Maseko, Albert Mudanga, Margaret Selolwane and Sam Masunga were welcomed at a poorly attended ceremony that lasted less than 15 minutes.