BDP Mogoditshane branch in factional feud
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Mogoditshane branch committee on Wednesday passed a motion of no confidence against its branch chairperson, Percy Tshuba.
A meeting that took the decision is alleged to have been convened without the branch chairperson’s knowledge and it intended to take him out as he is said to be anti-Member of Parliament for the area, Tumiso Rakgare.
Insiders at Mogoditshane told Mmegi that Mogoditshane is currently divided into two factions, one being pro-Rakgare and the other pro-Tshuba. Mmegi has been reliably informed that those who attended the meeting were supporters of Rakgare.
“This was just a factional meeting which was illegal. It is time the party acts on these issues because they are dividing our constituency even more. What is surprising is that the branch committee decided to appoint the deputy branch chairperson, Mogomotsi Motlhagodi who still has a pending case before the party disciplinary committee after
Ledumadumane chairperson Tshuba registered one against him,” the insider said.
Mogoditshane branch secretary, Pongo Kamanga who called the urgent meeting claimed that she was not aware of, “what you are talking about” when questioned in an interview. However, Kweneng regional secretary, Obakeng Kgabo confirmed that indeed they were aware of the meeting.
“It is true they had informed the region about their meeting. I am still waiting for them to bring the letter to me as they had informed me over the phone. I can’t say much since I have not received the letter,” Kgabo said.
For his part, Tshuba confirmed that he has heard about the issue of a motion of no confidence against him.
“It’s an unfortunate situation and as far as I am concerned, the meeting was illegal and I am still the branch chairperson for the Mogoditshane branch committee. I have written the letter to the region and hoping they will act as per the party constitution,” he said.
For his part, BDP secretary-general, Mpho Balopi said although he is not aware of the issue or any correspondence of such nature, “there is nothing like motion of no confidence in the party constitution”.
“We do not have such a clause which calls for a motion of no confidence in our constitution. Our system is clear and is not similar to that of opposition parties,” he said.
“One needs to write a letter of complaint to the party central committee or the party if someone has done something wrong. Then, the process of disciplinary hearing will then follow and one can be suspended by the party President pending disciplinary hearing for 60 days.”