Keorapetse’s expulsion paves way for Kaizer
Now that Selebi-Phikwe West Member of Parliament (MP) Dithapelo Keorapetse has been expelled from the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), it is believed that young entrepreneur Ruben Kaizer will grab the baton from the legislator come 2024.
The BCP conference two weeks ago resolved that the suspensions imposed by the central committee on Keorapetse and fellow MPs, Kenny Kapinga, Nevah Tshabang, David Tshere and Onneetse Ramogapi be varied to effectuate the immediate termination of their membership in the BCP. This was after the BCP central committee at its meeting held on July 12 decided to suspend the quintet from the party. The five had earlier defied the central committee and attended an Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) parliamentary caucus. The BCP is a coalition member of the UDC, but things have been rocky.
Contrary to previous speculations, Kaizer
and not Keineetse Saleshando is likely to grab the baton from Keorapetse and move to represent the BCP as its parliamentary candidate in 2024. However, the young
Saleshando is not without influence in the former copper-nickel mining town as he was recently elected chairperson of the constituency beating another party loyalist, Samuel
Sebudubudu. “Keorapetse had tried without success to stop the young Saleshando from ascending to the top position at Selebi-Phikwe West,” a BCP member said about the dynamics in Selebi-Phikwe.
It is said the challenge faced by Keorapetse was not only on Kaizer and Saleshando junior. He is facing the strongest challenge from his former loyalist and one of the most influential figures in Selebi-Phikwe, the BCP veteran councillor Evelyn Kgodungwe of Thakadiawa ward. “Kgodungwe has parted ways with Keorapetse after making several failed attempts to get him to toe the party line,” the member said.
Two things were told at the recent BCP conference held in Mahalapye. When the national chairperson, Samuel Rantuana checked the quorum by asking each constituency to rise, Selebi-Phikwe West was the loudest of them all. This was interpreted as the constituency sending a message that they remain intact with or without their MP. The other noticeable thing was that ‘TheBoy’ as Kaizer is popularly known in the BCP political circles supplied the conference with his branded water in party colours inscribed with #TheBoy. “Keorapetse will underestimate Kaizer at his own peril. Kaizer has demonstrated determination and consistency. Besides, he is a party loyalist. I am sure if health permitted, former BCP president Gilson Saleshando would be more than happy to launch him,” the source said. The elderly Gilson is a former MP for Selebi-Phikwe West, who handed the baton to Keorapetse.
Kaizer, who is busy with philanthropic work in Selebi-Phikwe, said the reception is amazing as his work seems to be doing the talking. He said he is a BCP loyalist and will remain one whether in a coalition or not. Recently, Keorapetse wrote on his Facebook page that there is nothing wrong with the BCP but the leadership. Keorapetse, who has been a member of the BCP for 23 years, said there is absolutely everything wrong with the party leadership of today.
“I have been in great pain, watched the leadership and observed their sordid ways trying to unseat me from the constituency for the upcoming elections. My greatest crime is my hardened belief in the project that is UDC, my perceived proximity to the UDC leader and my outstanding parliamentary performance. This didn’t go down well with them, from day one,” Keorapetse said.
He added that he had observed with shock an embarrassing leadership posture towards him, campaigning on social media, and in physical form, for novices and pretenders in his constituency. “I have received all their audio recordings and WhatsApp conversations in that aspect. Total lack of integrity. Total envy and cynicism,” he said. However, he added the BCP conference took decisions that he is told the leadership now regrets, following their last-minute attempt to reverse suspensions from the UDC.