Mmegi

Motshegwa, Modise tussle for BNF SG position

Tussle: Motshegwa and Modise are expected to lock horns for the party SG position. PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Tussle: Motshegwa and Modise are expected to lock horns for the party SG position. PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

In July, two ministers will vie for the position of secretary-general (SG) of the Botswana National Front (BNF), Mmegi has learnt.

The incumbent SG, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, who also serves as Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs is challeneged by Stephen Modise, the Minister of Health. According to sources, there has been significant lobbying for Modise to challenge Motshegwa due to 'dissatisfaction' over the handling of nominated councillors issue by Motshegwa. Members expressing frustration feel Motshegwa favoured his allies whilst disregarding those they had recommended. However, it was pointed out that some disgruntled members did not follow proper procedures when applying for council seats. Additionally, it was noted that certain BNF members opposed the approval of candidates from opposition parties. Some members voiced concerns about the party's decision to offer positions to individuals who joined the BNF only after losing elections, claiming they received seats they did not deserve. During a leadership forum held at the Big Five Lodge recently, some members argued that party new entrants should follow the same process as everyone else.

The issue became even more contentious when two individuals from the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) were unexpectedly rewarded, leaving many members dissatisfied and expressing their discontent on social media. Whilst some members express dissatisfaction with Motshegwa's leadership, others believe that Modise should take time to fully understand the party and its dynamics before pursuing the secretary-general role. According to a source, these members feel that Modise has not yet fully integrated into the party's structures and would benefit from taking time to learn and adapt. Additionally, the source highlighted that some members believe Cabinet ministers should focus on their current roles and constituencies rather than seek party leadership positions. "At the leadership forum, we agreed that this issue should be brought to the congress. Members cannot be seen as holding all the positions as if there are no capable leaders within the party. If this continues, some may start believing they are more important than the organisation itself. "Ministers already wield significant power, so why do they still need party positions?" the source wondered. Already, Motshegwa and Modise have hit the ground running in their campaigns.

For his part, Modise said: “Thanks for reaching out. I have no comment.” As for Motshegwa, he said: “There is no reason why I should not stand or seek for a second term.” In another twist, the Member of Parliament for Molepolole North constituency, Arafat Khan has expressed interest in contesting for the party treasurer position. Therefore, Khan will be challenging the current treasurer Noah Salakae, who is also Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. Meanwhile, the BNF spokesperson, Tumelo Legase said: "There is nothing wrong with members expressing their interest in positions they wish to contest for, and campaigns are allowed as long as they remain internal and respectful. However, members must follow the party's procedures and one can only be a candidate if seconded at the congress. As it stands, it is not guaranteed that anyone will become a candidate for contestation."

He also stressed that all recommendations made at the leadership forum would be taken to congress for discussion and if they pass, then they would be immediately implemented as binding. He added that it is not yet clear if the ministers would be allowed to contest or not. He noted that members who have less than two years in the party should know that the constitution does not allow them to contest. He said members who had resigned or contested as independent candidates, must know that they should re-apply for membership as their rights were terminated within the party.

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