Party Chairman Refutes Media Reports; -Blames It on Enemies, Detractors, Unethical and Irresponsible Journalism
Serowe, July 2, 2023 – Contrary to media reports of a Masisi vs Tsogwane camp, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BOP) has denied there is a rift wi th i n the party, terming such reports as political machinations emanating from the closet of detractors.
Furthermore, the party said that the reports of bad blood within the BOP is a narrative of the media peddled by the Opposition to try and destabilize the united party; adding that there is no disagreement between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his trusted second in command, His Honour Vice President Slumber Tsogwane.
The Vice Presi dent and BOP Chairman further dismissed as unfounded med i a insinuations that there is bad blood between the party’s Communications Committee. Tsogwane strongly rejected the claims by some partisans, who he noted were endeavoring to distract the BOP from ach iieving i ts objectives.
Speaking in Serowe West on Sunday during Moemedi Dijeng’s launch ahead of the looming parliamentary by-electi ons on July 8th, the BOP Chairman described as mal i cious media reports that falsely reported there’s a tussl e of power within the BOP, adding that those behind such utterances are the party’s enemies and detractors who are bent on making designs and orchestrating falsehoods to achieve their motive.
‘These are bunch of l ies. This is irresponsible reporting aimed at tarnishing the unity that exists within the BOP. All committees within the party are appointed and endorsed by His Excellency President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi and there’s no bad blood between me and him. These unfounded allegations by the media are again trying to bring confusion within the party.”
He rejected media reports that the party is currently in political turmoil adding that the BDP embraced democratic ethos and that its members enjoyed the political right and freedom to stand for any position they wished to contest.
“We are focused on the BOP’s agenda; we are not pursuing any personal agendas. We are not complacent. We are working harder. We don’t need any form of manipulation. With God on
our side, I am very sure we’ll triumph come 2024 General Elections.
For us, we are not just all talk. We believe people see our actions, including delivering what we had set out to do in our 2019 Election Manifesto. It is our actions which will be the best judge for us. I am very, very optimistic about that.”
He said rather than paying attention to diversionary statements and tactics, the party is currently focused on the ongoing preparations for the Serowe West Constituency
parliamentary by-election, where voting will take place on July 8 to fill the vacancy created
in parliament because of the desertion of former MPTshekedi Khama. He accentuated, “We are the only political party in the country that is united and stable.”
Tsogwane boasted of BOP’s chances in the impending elections, saying that his confidence comes from the backdrop that the party is working harder to ensure victory at the end of the day and terming Dijeng as someone with all the credibility and trust required by the people of Serowe West to lead them.
According to Tsogwane, Batswana are looking for leaders to trust, leaders with proven credibility and Dijeng is one of those leaders. He is the latest example of all these attributes, and we are proud of our chances,” added VPTsogwane.
“I would kindly ask Batswana not to be swayed into petty politics.Those who are working to bring animosity between President Masisi and I, are just wasting their time. I love my president, and we work well together for the betterment of Batswana and our country.
Sincerely,
Mr. Kagelelo Banks Kentse
Chairman of Communications and International Relations Sub-committee
Botswana Democratic Party