Masisi vs Tsogwane camps

BDP Spindoctors fall out

• Masisi camp accused of hogging power, bossy and selfish
• Accused of exclusively enjoying fruits of association alone
• Tsogwane camp accused of being anti-Masisi vision and turncoats
• Divisions reflective of broader power struggle within BDP -observers

BAKWADI LEKOPANE

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

The much hyped Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Communications Committee is embroiled in a power struggle, which has divided its members along camps, with President Mokgweetsi Masisi on one hand and Vice President Slumber Tsogwane on the other.

The fallout is centered around differing allegiances and ambitions, with those in the Masisi camp perceived as influential and economically advantaged due to their proximity to the president, while Tsogwane’s faction is busy fighting to safeguard his presidential ambitions against preferred successor, Peggy  Serame- the Minister of Finance.

The latter group is being accused by Masisi camp of leaking party secrets to the media and engaging in relentless campaigns to tarnish Serame’s reputation to promote and protect their master, Tsogwane. These attitudes are seen as being anti-Masisi’s vision, one of which is leaving a solid legacy on women empowerment. Serame is involved in a subtle tussle with Minister of Health, Dr Edwin Dikoloti for the Goodhope /Mmathethe constituency and the latter is said to be fully backed by Tsogwane in his bid to retain the constituency as area MP.

Sources within the BDP indicate that those aligned to Masisi are viewed as a powerful and self-serving group, who are enjoying the sweet fruits that come with association to the ruling party. Their privileged positions have led to criticism from the Tsogwane camp, who feel marginalized and complain that their own economic needs are neglected by the dominant faction.