I was sabotaged at BCP- Phage
Maverick politician, Phagenyana Phage has ditched his long time political home, Botswana Congress Party (BCP) for the new kid on the block, Botswana Patriotic Front.
Speaking in an interview, Phage gave a narration of how he was frustrated at BCP and forced to defect.
Decrying what he labelled as unfair treatment, Phage described how a constituency he had represented in 2014 Lentsweletau/Mmopane was snatched away from him and given to Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) despite his hard work.
He argued that he was a better placed to win that constituency in 2019 general elections because during the 2014 general elections, he had finished second to the ruling party candidate, Vincent Seretse and therefore stood a better chance in 2019 since Seretse was no longer in the race.
“When Seretse lost to the incumbent BDP MP, Nnaniki Makwinja, I knew it was my chance to grab the constituency but BCP sabotaged me and gave the constituency to BMD. It was clear that the BMD leaders were on their way back to BDP but my plea fell on deaf ears. I was hurt badly,” Phage lamented.
He said that since then things have never been the same for him at BCP.
Apart from fighting over the constituency, Phage said that he was sidelined on a number of issues because of his outspoken nature and independent mind.
“I once questioned why BCP Central Committee had only six positions, which members could contest for but I was dismissed. They never took my advice seriously at BCP but they have been failing to rise to the occasion on serious national issues,” said Phage.
He criticised his former party for failing to issue statements on critical issues of national interest. Talking of his new home, Phage described it as a welcoming environment with hardworking members.
“After elections they didn’t go to sleep but continued to work hard, something which attracted me to their party.”
He said that the BPF Patron, Ian Khama’s work ethic and boundless energy also inspired him, as he continued to mobilise members and build structures. “Monna yo le ke thakadu,” he said heaping praises on the former president.
Meanwhile, Botswana Congress Party’s Publicity Secretary, Dithapelo Keorapetse confirmed that indeed Phage resigned after many unsuccessful attempts to do so in the past.
“His resignation doesn’t come as a surprise to us and we wish him well in his future endeavours.” BPF Secretary General, Roseline Panzirah Matshome confirmed that Phage was now their member.
