BNF unfazed by BLP formation
FRANCISTOWN: Publicity secretary of the Botswana National Front (BNF), Justin Hunyepa says the party remains solid in the midst of formation of the Botswana Labour Party (BLP).
The BLP is an offshoot of the BNF. According to its founders, they decided to form the BLP because their former party has lost its revolutionary values amongst other reasons.
Responding to a questionnaire from Mmegi after the BLP released a scathing press statement against the BNF, Hunyepa said the BNF is solid and continues to grow in leaps and bounds.
“The recent BNF July congress at Ba Isago University in Gaborone has proved how healthy and resilient the BNF is. This can be attested to the highest number of people who attended the congress since its formation,” Hunyepa said.
“The BNF continues to register new members. However, even though it is a voluntary organisation, it is concerned by the loss of members whether through death or defection.”
Regarding the BLP, Hunyepa said the new entrant in the political sphere is not a new party but an old one. He elaborated that the BLP has always been there in the records of the Registrar of Societies.
“The members of this party have, therefore, decided to join it, and therefore it is not a new formation. The BLP has got nothing to do with the BNF. It is as good as some handful of Batswana deciding to join the BDP,” the BNF spokesperson clarified.
He also said the recent press release from the BLP is tantamount to “dogs barking at a moving vehicle”.
“Someone who has been walloped at the Kgotla by the chief may insult the same leader but the chief will concentrate on more pressing issues.
The BNF is moving and those barking and trying to stop it risk being crushed,” said Hunyepa, adding that the BNF is focused and has solid policies and programmes that drive its people-centred agenda.
“We don’t have time to entertain badmouthing by President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) bridesmaids,” he stated.
The recent press statement from the BLP came with guns blazing saying the BNF has veered off from its revolutionary traditions and was now under the control of a reactionary lot who use it for self-enrichment.
Furthermore, the statement reads: “The dominant tendency at the BNF is that of foulmouthed individuals under the populist leadership of Duma Boko who use the political space to malign others.
The BLP would return to revolutionary basis with focus on creation of the study groups across the country and seek cooperation with companionable formation including labour unions, civic and religious groups and political parties.”