During its meeting on February 10, the Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) reaffirmed Motlatsi Molapise as its president, solidifying his position as one of the party’s longest-serving leaders at the age of 80.
The announcement of the party's decision was made yesterday (Monday). The appointment puts an end to speculation surrounding the recent unofficial race to replace Molapise, signalling his enduring presence in the BPP. Politicians Ignatius Moswaane, Phillip Bulawa, and activist Nono Mokoka-Kgafela were previously considered potential successors. Three years ago, Molapise had expressed his willingness to pass on the leadership to the party's chosen successor. However, during a party meeting held on February 10, a resolution was adopted by the party’s national executive council, led by Molapise as the party president. The vice president is Bulawa, the secretary-general is Tiroeaone Ntsima, and the party chairperson is Mokoka-Kgafela. Other positions include vice secretary-general, Venter Galetshabiwe, communications secretary, Alfred Mashungwa, and national treasurer, Ketty Motsamai.
The 13-member party central committee was also confirmed with the following appointments: * President Molapise * Vice President Bulawa * Secretary-General Ntsima * Chairperson Mokoka-Kgafela * Vice Secretary-General Galetshabiwe * Communications Secretary Mashungwa * National Treasurer Motsamai * Constitutional and Legal Affairs Godknows Robby * Foreign Relations Shandulani Pele Maunge * Administration Secretary Thomas Mpenya * National Organising Secretary Mbaakanyi Smart * Director of Elections King Disana * Political Education and Strategy Ignatius Moswaane
At the BPP, the national executive committee is authorised to propose new party leadership to the central committee for approval. The central committee then awaits endorsement from the annual delegates' conference, as explained by Molapise in an interview with Mmegi. "We have not done anything wrong; we were only following the party constitution," Molapise stressed.
