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Breakaway looming at BPF

Daniel Chida
IN DISCUSSION: Motlhalefi Dikomang and BPF members

Group gives Butale Sunday deadline before they form new party

Having joined Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) in 2020, during the party’s launch in Bobonong, Motlhalefi Dikomang has become the centre of the controversy rocking the ‘Ke Nako’ brigade.

The party’s Chairperson for Bobirwa Constituency is now the spokesperson of a ‘rebellious’ formation calling itself ‘The Concerned Group’.

The group which has the backing of former President and BPF Patron, Ian Khama’s backing are relentless in their quest to unseat party president, Biggie Butale. The Voice, staffer, DANIEL CHIDA speaks to the man who has been resolute in seeing Butale out of office.

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  • Tell us what led to the formation of the concerned group?

We formed this concerned group after some National Executive Committee members were suspended for proposing for an elective congress. The call for that is there in the constitution and it says the party must have an elective congress every two years.

The problem we have is the sitting president and his team who do not want elections because they fear losing. His term has elapsed, having been in the office for five years and when people voice out their concerns he suspends them.

  • Do you have the numbers though in your group?

We have 90 percent of BPF members and the other 10 % is with Butale.

  • Who are your leaders?

Our leaders are, Robert Mariba, Vuyo Yane Notha, Master Moiseraela Goya, Carter Morupisi, Prince Bosilong and others.

  • What are your objectives?

The group’s objectives is for BPF President Butale and his NEC to reconcile, reinstate suspended members and call for an elective congress. We want a new committee that will take us to 2024 general elections.

  • What happens if Butale and his NEC do not adhere to your wish?

If that does not happen we will form a new party. We have given Butale until this Sunday and if he doesn’t adhere to our call we will form a new party.

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  • It looks like you have made up your mind about forming a new party, is that right?

Yes, Khama long asked us to do that. We cannot continue as members of a party whose president does not want to reinstate people who were suspended unconstitutionally, our party Secretary General, Tshekedi Khama amongst them.

Butale is a coward running away from elections.

  • Why does it seem your feud with Butale is personal?

We believe the Botswana Democratic Party has infiltrated us and we suspect the party is sponsoring Butale. He has been broke to a point where I asked a certain lodge owner to assist him with money for fuel and a new car battery after he got stuck in Mmadinare during Women’s League congress and now he has the funds to host a congress? No, where did he get the money?

  • Who are you eyeing for the party presidency?

We will elect former President Ian Khama as our president.

  • Why Khama?

We know his intelligence and we trust him. He has connections and can source funds for campaign for us. He is someone who can negotiate with other opposition parties for a pact which will see us taking government from the ruling party. We have few sponsors but Khama is prepared to help us when there is need. Khama does not have scandals like Butale, he is sellable.

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SPEAKING OUT: Motlhalefi Dikomang
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