Africa-Press – Botswana. Uncertainty hangs over the head of outspoken MP for Mahalapye West, David Tshere, after he was thrown out of a Botswana Congress Party (BCP) meeting on allegations that he is leaking party secrets to Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) leader Duma Boko.
The party central committee suspect that Tshere is sharing notes with Boko, after he openly criticised the BCP against their latest conduct towards the UDC.
Tshere and Boko are not bonded only by political affiliation but they are close buddies as they both originate from Mahalapye. So, the BCP leadership is said to be not comfortable to discuss internal issues in his presence. Sources close to the developments in the lime movement hint that Tshere is one of at least four BCP MPs who do not support the decision to contest Bophirima ward against the UDC. “Tshere will be suspended. BCP president Dumelang Saleshando of late has been acting differently. He is showing some signs of dictatorship towards the MPs. He wants to make sure that all the MPs subscribe to the stand taken by BCP to contest Bophirima ward outside the UDC,” said a source.
In addition, it is said Tshere could be one of the MPs who was against the decision taken by some UDC MPs to decline an invitation from Boko to meet them. It is also said the party is on a hunt for other MPs who are still pro-UDC rather than BCP. The BCP central committee on the instruction of Secretary General, Goretetse Kekgonegile is said to have ordered their MPs not to take part in the meeting proposed by Boko for UDC MPs. As a result, none of the BCP MPs attended Boko’s meeting with only Motsamai Motsamai and Yandani Boko of the Botswana National Front (BNF) showing up.
In an interview on Friday, BCP Secretary General Kekgonegile who is also MP for Maun East said the issue relating to Tshere and others whom he couldn’t disclose will be addressed by the party leadership after the Bophirma by- elections as their focus is now on Bophirima Ward. He said at the moment there are disciplinary procedures which can be effected on any member of the party when the need arises.
According to sources, BCP leaders wanted Tshere to be slapped with a suspension but some central committee members warned that it could backfire at Bophirima by-election. Although he had received our questions via WhatsApp, Tshere had not responded at the time of going to print.
Youth attack
On Friday, the BCP Youth League issued a statement accusing Tshere of not respecting the resolutions of the central committee, a development which observers view as an attack on him. The youth league said Tshere has mutated into an overnight rubble rouser due to the dread of losing his meal (MP seat) noting that he is planting seeds that will germinate his ouster in Mahalapye West.
“The BCPYL is deeply concerned by the conduct of David, (we will address him by his birth name as his posture is unworthy of any deference). David is the central committee member and Member of Parliament. He is a leader in the party and nationally,” said the youth league.
Political analyst Frank Mogotsi said Tshere is one of the politicians committed to the UDC, and should not be castigated by the BCP because he refused to dismiss the coalition. “It is obvious that the BCP is preparing for new life outside the UDC and it is testing which of its members are loyal to the party against the UDC. But it is important for BCP to note that it does not have MPs in Parliament as its members are recognized as UDC MPs only. The BCP has made up its mind and will never work easily with other parties under the UDC coalition,” said Mogotsi.
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