However, the race to replace him has been marred by disputes, prompting the intervention of the BCP executive committee. At the heart of the conflict is an accusation from Reuben Kaizer's camp, also known as 'The Boy', which claims that Brothers Malema's team is not abiding by the rules and regulations governing the primary elections.
Several concerns have arisen, including whether structured primary election campaigns can be conducted in full party gear outside party structures, whether the party attire branded 'The Boy' can be worn by the team members of its leader, and if branded team attire is permissible under specific circumstances. Other issues raised include allegations of card manipulation and the provision of name tags exclusively to Kaizer's team, leaving other constituency members without such identification.
Malema's team has also questioned whether the head office has shared voter information, including cell numbers, with Kaizer's team, potentially giving them an unfair advantage.
"Doesn't the provision of false information to the party relegate the collective party interest and put individual and sectarian interest ahead of that of the party? Could a fair and free election be attained when some pivotal information has been deliberately tampered with to deny other members accessibility to potential primary election voters?" the letter from concerned members states.
Furthermore, the letter underscores that the growing discontent amongst a small group of activists and members could harm the party's prospects, especially in the upcoming national elections, unless swift action is taken. In response to these concerns, the members have called for an investigation into the matters raised, aiming to restore the party's integrity and promote unity.
The letter was signed by six members: Malema, Mothusi Modikwa, Samuel Sebudubudu, Ramasomoko Ebepile, Kabo Peloetletse, Boycey Mokgano, Samson Ndale, and Christopher Molelo.
The BCP executive committee visited Selebi-Phikwe to mediate the dispute, with party spokesperson Mpho Pheko acknowledging the situation to The Monitor yesterday. “It is unfortunate that the internal letter was leaked.
As the party leadership, we want to hear both sides of the story and resolve the matter amicably. This is election time, and we know that tempers will be high in some areas. We cannot afford to go to elections while divided,” she said. Pheko revealed that the Selebi-Phikwe West primary elections are scheduled for October 7. Selebi-Phikwe constituencies have historically been strongholds for the BCP, but after the party's decision to leave the UDC, Keorapetse and some councillors remained with the UDC.
