Molapisi/Moswaane dismiss fall-out rumours
Botswana People’s Party (BPP) long-serving leader, Motlatsi Molapisi has dismissed rumours of a fall-out between himself and Francistown West Member of Parliament (MP), Ignatius Moswaane.
The President of Botswana’s oldest political party maintains he has no idea where the speculation is coming from, insisting he enjoys a strong and healthy relationship with Moswaane.
“There can never be a crack between me and him,” declared Molapisi bullishly.
The political veteran, who turned 81 this year, praised Moswaane as a strong organiser who has made significant contributions since joining the party in 2021.
“The issue of nominations for specially elected councilors caused a bit of trouble for him, but as a party, we can’t fault him for anything,” he stressed in an exclusive interview with The Voice on Monday.
The BPP’s internal politics made headlines earlier this year when three high-profile members were expelled for alleged misconduct.
The dismissed trio included Francistown East MP and former Secretary General, Tiroeaone Ntsima, Tlogatloga Ward Councillor and Youth League President, Vivian Ramokapani, and Monarch Central Councillor, Dorcas Moemedi Nakedi.
They were unceremoniously shown the door after failing to turn-up for a disciplinary hearing scheduled for March 1st.
The expulsions were widely perceived as part of a strategic move to pave the way for Moswaane to succeed Molapisi as BPP President.
However, a faction within the party is reportedly still unhappy with Ntsima’s removal and blames Moswaane for the development.
“I know about his, and two others’, ambitions. However, we’ve never discussed anything regarding leadership succession. My duty as President is to ensure such ambitions do not divide the party, and I will never favour one over the other,” reiterated Molapisi.
“As for the fall-out, that is not true! He calls me every day. I trust him, and he trusts me fully,” he added.
Moswaane echoed these sentiments, expressing deep respect for Molapisi as his President, elder, and Bishop.
“I call him at least twice a day, and our relationship is at 101 percent,” said Moswaane, who also serves as BPP’s Secretary for Political Education and Campaign Strategy
“I’ve become the engine of what he envisions for the party, and I’ve enjoyed his full support,” he continued.
The outspoken legislator distanced himself from the recent expulsions, asserting he had no role in the disciplinary actions.
“What people don’t realise is that, according to the party’s constitution, failure to attend a disciplinary hearing results in automatic forfeiture of membership. No one was expelled, they disqualified themselves,” he clarified, stressing his current focus is on growing the party’s membership.
The BPP presently holds four parliamentary seats and 40 council positions.
Under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), the party secured three of the eight constituencies it was allocated.
