Former BNYC execs square up against Khama, Olopeng

Pic Kabo Mpaetona
Pic Kabo Mpaetona

Seven former members of the dissolved Botswana National Youth Council’s (BNYC) executive committee yesterday squared up against representatives of President Ian Khama and minister Thapelo Olopeng, as the former youth body fights for resurrection. Olopeng, the minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, dissolved the troubled BNYC and its national executive committee in July, as part of a restructuring under which its mandate will continue as an organ within the ministry.

Olopeng was acting in line with a presidential directive issued by Khama on the BNYC’s restructuring.

Yesterday in Lobatse, lawyers representing the former NEC members said Olopeng and Khama had no legal right to dissolve the BNYC and its NEC. The former members want the High Court to issue an interdict freezing Olopeng and Khama’s decisions, pending a more substantive suit.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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