POLITICAL TACTICS OF NATA/GWETA
BCP targets Majaga as BDP plans to topple him
BOTSWANA Congress Party (BCP) is said to be watching with keen interests events happening in Nata/gweta constituency with the target being the outspoken Member of Parliament (MP), Polson Majaga.
The outspoken and controversial MP has been the centre of attraction in the race leading to Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) primary elections, with allegations that President Mokgweetsi Masisi is orchestrating the selection of his own candidates to challenge Majaga in the constituency.
Although Specially Elected MP, Boitumelo Gofhamodimo, was said to be the chosen one by the President, she withdrew her candidacy and even got appointed as Assistant Minister in the State President Ministry. But recently, allegations from Nata/gweta have hinted at a veterinary surgeon who, on a personal capacity, aided Masisi at his farm and had now set his sights on toppling Majaga. The MP’S sin, it seems, is his bold advocacy for the direct election of a president, a stance that earned him both admirers and enemies within the party.
“Majaga is being frustrated for being too vocal, he doesn’t hide his stand and the BDP event that took place two weeks ago in his area where he was not included in the initial programme was a sign that he was unwanted. His support for direct election of a president diminished all efforts of reconciliation with the president. He is seen as an outlaw,” said a BDP member.
In a recent interview, Majaga acknowledged the emergence of new contenders, remarking on their unexpected transition from civil service to politics. “Some have been civil servants and, surprisingly, they have shifted to politics,” he noted, his tone tinged with both resignation and
defiance. “Ke bulela ditswe, bulela dilwe, bulela ditsamae.”
Behind the scenes, the BCP strategised, seeing an opportunity in Majaga’s potential downfall. A source within the party revealed their plan: if Majaga were to lose the primary elections, the BCP would swoop in, offering him a safe haven within their ranks. “We are waiting for BDP primaries,” the source disclosed. “We want Majaga on our side, he is not someone to underestimate.”
However, BCP Publicity Secretary, Dr Mpho Pheko, said that they have a candidate in the area. “I can only confirm that BCP has a solid candidate in the area and he is Comrade Chingapani Gwamba.”