Francistown West BDP unrest as Kealotswe seeks BDP intervention
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) member, Samuel Kealotswe, who portrays himself as a victim of ‘insults and discredits,’ is seeking intervention and protection from fellow members of the party whom he describes as having ‘... a perverse sense of humour.’
In a letter dated November 25th addressed to the national disciplinary committee, Kealotswe alleges that Raoboy Mpuang, a long-time BDP activist, former specially elected councillor Joyce Ndove, who is former Deputy Mayor of Francistown and Sean Sebele the BDP secretary of the Francistown region, are using social media platforms such as WhatsApp to discuss party issues including disparaging fellow Democrats, contrary to the party constitution.
Kealotswe and Mpuang are likely to face-off in the ruling party primary elections for the 2024 general election. According to Kealotswe, the platforms which were formed ostensibly to give updates to members on the party are now used to discredit other party members.
“In these BDP platforms, we are referred to as thieves and criminals, something I find disturbing,” said Kealotswe, who describes himself in the letter as a humble fellow and BDP member in good standing.
“I feel Mpuang is becoming destructive than a constructive being in the Francistown West constituency. In the 2019 general election, he was barred from participating in party activities because of his involvement with opposition parties while de-campaigning the BDP,” said Kealotswe.
Kealotswe suggested that Mpuang is not fit to administer any party social media platform “...because such a position needs a level headed leader with a full comprehension of the party’s constitution for him to be able to instil constitutional procedures in other party members,” he said, adding that Mpuang’s actions and others violate the party’s General Code of Conduct.
“If the need arises, I am ready to avail witnesses and material as proof of the misguided utterances,” said Kealotswe who bypassed the Francistown Regional Committee to appeal to the party’s national disciplinary office for intervention.
“I have chosen to not address my appeal to the Regional Committee because its members are involved in the platform,” explained Kealotswe. The letter is neither copied to Mpuang, Ndove nor to Sebele.
When contacted for comment, Mpuang claimed he knew nothing about the complaint. “I am actually surprised by what you are saying because he and I are friends. I am not aware of the allegations,” said Mpuang.
Sebele’s phone was off-air by press time. Ndove on the other hand denied making any comments on social media. She challenged Kealotswe to produce evidence that she ever commented on party social media platforms. BDP headquarters could not be reached as the phone constantly went into fax mode.