BDP beefs up communications sub-committee
Members to compile robust communication plan The subcommittee has nothing to show – Analyst
President of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Mokgweetsi Masisi has increased communications and international relations subcommittee members from 12 to 15. Chairperson of the committee, Kagelelo Kentse has retained his position. Mmegi has observed that the committee has not changed much except for the fact that it has brought in three new members.
The new members are Michael Dignash Morapedi, Robert Panzirah and Ishmael Metlha Mokwena. Old members of the committee are Tumy Modise who retained her position as secretary, Dennis Mmolai, Michael Hall, Godfrey Ganetsang, Thundie Nshakashogwe, Dumani Bushe, Kabelo Masvingo, Selwana Kesebonye, Warona Mosielele, Desmond Kabo, McDonald Peloetletse and Dumani Bushe Koketso.
Commenting on the increase of members of the committee that he leads, Kentse revealed that the committee had been operating with 11 members. He explained that the move to increase its membership came after they made a request through the office of the party secretary-general to increase the number to 15.
“This request was informed by our desire to increase capacity and bring diverse skills into
the committee. We also wanted to ensure that each member is assigned to each region of the BDP, in all 14 regions. This will help with focus and commitment as compared to one individual looking after two regions. One is bound to suffer. The campaign for the 2024 General Election will be more demanding and we want to have the ground covered very well,” Kentse said.
He further said the diverse skills they have in the committee from communications, public relations, marketing, politics and radio will assist them with compiling a robust communication plan towards the 2024 General Election. Kentse also said his committee members have a sole priority of ensuring that the BDP retains power in 2024 and beyond.
On their success stories, Kentse said they successfully delivered the 2019 election, transformed BDP’s digital footprint, built close relations with local media and resuscitated international relations.
In addition, he said increasing members of committee will assist in connecting lower structures of the party with the party central committee. He pointed out that the team will additionally disseminate party information down and up from the branches. Kentse explained that they appreciate President Masisi’s efforts in women’s empowerment. This came after Masisi this week nominated an all women team of five additional members into the BDP’s central committee.
However, University of Botswana political analyst, Mokaloba Mokaloba said there is nothing tangible the BDP communications and international relations sub-committee could show or prove to have done since it took office last year. He said the committee has not borne any fruit that could make members proud.
“I do not think the committee is doing much. Apart from communicating, spreading and marketing the party, there is nothing to show that indeed the committee is bearing fruits. I don’t see the need to increase the committee membership,” Mokaloba said in an interview on Wednesday.
“All these are just publicity stunts to try to convince members that some people are working when actually they are not. For the past two to three years, the BDP has not been visible on the ground. Again there isn’t much work that the committee does apart from defending the party on social media. Honestly, it was not necessary to increase the committee.”
On the issue of the all women team of additional members, Mokaloba said Masisi is trying to push the mandate he had promised. He added that the move to appoint the five women is also a political stunt because the chosen women will not make any impact in the party.