The party held its congress over the weekend against the will of Khama’s faction. Of the nine respondents in the case, only James Kgalajwe showed up. Despite reports that the party is financially strained and failing to meet its obligations, the congress painted a different picture. Equally, though the court only gave the green light to the congress last week Wednesday, Butale would the following day announce the congress venue as Rainbow School in Gaborone. In addition to renting the seemingly expensive huge hall and other school facilities, the party brand was visible all around the school. Seemingly new banners and other signage material could be seen at the entrance of the school, on the driveways, and even inside the hall. Every arriving member was afforded a meal, from engaged caterers. They would then advance to get free t-shirts while registering to enter the congress venue. Interestingly, there was no sight of any t-shirt with Khama’s face as has been a norm at BPF gatherings, rather the t-shirts which were given to every attendant, bore Butale’s face. While the programme stated that Khama would greet the party members telephonically during the first day of the congress, it never happened as they stated he had gone to the gym.
The attendants of the congress were just a handful with some even stating: “We were brought here with a combi from Mochudi. We were just somewhere drinking and dancing when they asked us to come promising us food and free t-shirts.” While Butale emphasised that his court victory which also enforced suspension of Tshekedi Khama, Vuyo Notha, Robert Mariba, and Prince Bosilong would bring unity, he acknowledge there are humps on the way to taking power. “As delegates are aware, in the past few weeks our great party has been the reference point of dissension and turbulence.
