SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS DENT MAGANG’S CAMPAIGN
Sometimes his posts border on party policies and constitution and those are sensitive lines - BDP
ASPIRING Botswana Democratic Party Secretary General, Lesang Magang, has defended his campaign saying contrary to reports that he was losing members, he has been gaining support.
Magang’s explanation comes after a source from Tsholetsa House told this publication that the maverick businessman was losing members due to his pomposity. The source who spoke on condition of anonymity said that although initially Magang had the backing of the party leadership, of recent the scenario had changed. “He is now perceived as someone who is arrogant and pompous because he has been busy on the media campaigning. Although the party constitution talks only about Bulela Ditswe (primary elections) campaigns, the same guidelines are sometimes used during the campaign for the Central Committee.”
The source explained that for Bulela Ditswe, no members are allowed to campaign before a date has been set and the use of the media is prohibited.
“There are no official guidelines for CC campaigns but sometimes the party constitution can be interpreted in favour of those favoured. Magang knows well that you do not campaign publicly until it has been declared so.”
The source added that a number of supporters had deserted Magang because of how he is openly flouting campaign rules.
However, speaking in an interview, Magang said he was totally unaware of any complaints.
“I will welcome them as honest engagement if they do come. On the contrary, I have received multiple calls from the lowest to the highest parts of the party decreeing the refreshing and frank conversation we have started. This will be a long journey, brother, motivating for reset and paradigms shifts naturally spark debate in any environment,” he added.
Meanwhile, the party’s Communications Chairperson, Kagelelo Kentse, confirmed that he has been observing Magang’s posts and advised that he be a little bit cautious.
“Sometimes he provides motivation to democrats and sometimes his posts border on party policies and constitution and those are sensitive lines and might be misconstrued as undermining the party process,” he explained.
BDP is expected to hold its elective congress this year where the incumbent SG, Mpho Balopi, is expected to defend his position against Magang and former Member of Parliament for Palapye, Boyce Sebetela.