Even leaders are attacking the party Saleshando
Botswana Congress Party (BCP) leaders have expressed concern over the growing level of indiscipline within the party.
BCP President Dumelang Saleshando said their track record on how they managed to welcome new members shows that they are a disciplined party that respects its established laws. He said some Batswana chose the party because they needed a place where there is respect and tolerance, but he further expressed concern that lately, they have seen things change.
“We are not against people speaking their minds in interrogating issues. We allow that but in coordinated set down platforms. We allow that but we must know that after an issue has been discussed when the majority has taken a decision, it has to be followed and respected. We see people now thinking BCP can be attacked anyhow by its members. Those who think they have better ideas but putting the name of the party into disrepute. Most of them do not even attend any of the BCP meetings. We have also seen those in leadership positions attacking the BCP, while it is the same party that has put them in those positions,” Saleshando told the BCP leadership forum in Palapye.
Saleshando further warned that stern action will be taken against such individuals. Their plan is to first discuss this before any action is taken. He told the meeting that they want people to understand the processes and procedures of the party.
“One of the things that do not work for us is ignoring the constituencies and wards we won. We have to ensure that we no longer allow that to happen. We must commit that by 2024 that does not occur as it did in the 2014 general elections. The aim should be that we increase the current numbers of our wards and constituencies.”
He said Vice President Taolo Lucas has been assigned to lead the activity. By December this year, the party has to reach a target of 100 000 new members only.
“The Secretary-General will share with relevant stakeholders a roadmap on that. We are also going to resuscitate our structures countrywide. It is not going to be a presidential tour or central committee tour but it will be done by all within the BCP. We as the BCP have increased our numbers for councilors and MPs from the 2014 general elections.”
The BCP leader stated that the Central Committee has resolved that the conference which will be held in July this year should take a decision that the year 2022 and 2023 are for attracting the youth into the BCP.
“This is a market that we need to explore as the BCP,” said Saleshando.
He told the meeting that between now and the July conference they have to go back to their respective constituencies and wards to discuss how best to approach this matter.
“It is high time we have more youth in leadership positions and you have to come to the conference prepared on how we are going to deal with this matter,” Saleshando advised.