Mpho Balopi, who leads the former ruling party, is set to be arraigned in court on September 16 before Regional Magistrate, Mareledi Dipate. The DCEC has revealed that Balopi alongside Native Outdoor (Pty) Ltd, Native Impressions (Pty) Ltd, Stess Engineering (Pty) Ltd, Thomas Sharpe, Keysource (Pty) Ltd represented by its directors, Tshepiso Makgoeng and Duncan Gaolebogwe have been charged with corruption related offences involving an amount of P5 million. The BDP president and Co. face two counts of fraud and an attempt to obtain by false pretence, the case that is tied to Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency. Despite the corruption charges, Balopi remains at the helm of the party. However, the BDP central committee has opted against throwing its weight behind him, hence leaving him politically exposed. The decision creates an unusual situation where the party president continues with his office duties without an outright show of support from the organisation he leads. The matter was discussed by the BDP central committee this week after Balopi briefed the party leadership on the issue. However, the central committee did not reach a decision on Balopi’s position indicating that they are not ready to pull the plug on his leadership. During a press briefing on TUesday, BDP secretary-general, Kentse Rammidi told reporters that the committee lacked sufficient material to make a determination. “The central committee felt it does not have logical material to reach a logical decision as the matter is relatively new,” Rammidi said, adding that Balopi had contacted him last week to inform the secretary-general’S office that the DCEC and DPP had prepared charges against him. “The matter is still new. We are still to be provided with more material,” he added on the future of Balopi’s presidency at the former ruling party. The developments leave the BDP in a delicate position as it has neither removed its party president nor openly backed him, effectively leaving his political future hanging. At the height of this, Rammidi openly said the BDP will not throw its weight behind their leader as it does align with the party’s constitution. “The party has taken a resolution that members of the party should not go to court on party regalia or purporting to be there because they are democrats,” Rammidi said. “Balopi is not appearing as the president of the party as it has not been charged. We are not going to appear there on party regalia.” However, Rammidi said if some of the members so wish that they would like to offer support to Balopi it should be at their own accord. “On your personal capacity you are allowed to go there to support a dear brother and a friend,” he added. The stance also puts Rammidi under pressure to explain how the BDP’s latest position fits with his earlier remarks that party members who find themselves on the perceived wrong side of the law should step aside. For now, Balopi retains the presidency, as he deals with the corruption allegations as the central committee explores options for the way forward regarding his future. Rammidi has promised that the party will soon conclude deliberations on the matter. The issue comes as the BDP prepares for its National Council to be held in October and an extraordinary congress, where the party plans to undertake a comprehensive review of its constitution.
