Mathokgwane blamed for lack of progress
Botswana National Front (BNF)’S recruitment drive in Lobatse is said to have hit a snag following reports of ‘dirty tactics’ by former Member of Parliament for Goodhope/mabule, James Mathokgwane.
The ex MP is accused of campaigning in Lobatse, even though the writ for elections is yet to be issued.
In an interview with this publication, BNF member, Kamal Jacobs, revealed he has lodged a formal complaint with the party after realising Mathokgwane was campaigning instead of recruiting members.
“During our house to house recruitment drive, we noticed Mathokgwane was campaigning and positioning himself for the parliamentary position in the area before the party allows that,” said Jacobs, who stood in the last general elections as an independent candidate, where he was soundly beaten at the polls.
He maintained Mathokgwane’s behaviour disrupted their recruitment efforts as it caused people to shun them.
“People no longer listen to us because they think we are all positioning ourselves and this has caused divisions among the team,” said Jacobs.
The BNF’S Chairman for the Lobatse constituency, Bafo Monakwe, confirmed the party is looking into the claims.
“We received a report about Mathokgwane’s campaign in the area but we are still making our own investigations and assessment before we can take a decision. But, since this is an internal process, we are not forced to share with you our findings,” was Monakwe’s response to The Voice.
Slightly more forthright with his words, Mathokgwane emphatically dismissed having any interest in politics.
“I am an employee of SPEDU and I have no interest in returning to politics. If ever I habour any political interest in the future, I will return to the Goodhope/ Mabule constituency,” he added.
Mathokgwane won the 2014 general elections but resigned from his seat as MP after serving only six months. He later joined Selibe Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU), tasked with attracting investors to the once thriving mining town.