BCP youth call Keorapetse to order

Botswana Congress Party Youth League (BCPYL) has fired a salvo at the Publicity Secretary of the party, Dithapelo Keorapetse for attacking its leader, Tumiso Rakgare.  

This comes after Rakgare was quoted in the media saying “the party is broke.” Keorapetse responded that, “Rakgare’s personal views may have drastic implications on the mandate given to the BCP leaders by the majority of its members in Kanye at a regional consultation on opposition cooperation. Rakgare should have reasonably foreseen this possibility. We regret his error.”

The Youth League said the attack on Rakgare is an attack on them and that Keorapetse should respect the office he (Rakgare) holds. “Cde Keorapestse should have behaved in a way befitting his status.

All he has done is neither constructive nor unifying. As much as he points wrongs against Cde Rakgare, his approach to the whole matter is disappointing and equally wrong,” said Youth League Publicity Secretary, Pako Madigele.

He added, “We wish to inform Cde Keorapetse to desist from his divisive tendencies. He should know better that there is a laid down procedure to call members to order in a case of wrongdoing.” In an interview with Weekend Post newspaper, Rakgare praised Masisi saying he is a threat to the opposition. “Masisi is a nice man. He is bit cleaner in as far as corruption is involved. He has a very strong character. We need somebody who can match him,” Rakgare was quoted saying by the newspaper.

In response Keorapetse said, “We see Masisi as a childish leader. He is proud, conceited and has an inflated self image and views himself as incredibly powerful, influential and smart.”

The Youth League warned Keorapetse to keep calm. “So, Hon Keorapetse, hold your horses and keep calm. We are all BCP, we are all human, bound to err, including yourself . We regret that you continue to compromise the integrity of both offices you hold in the party and nationally,” wrote Madigele.

Rakgare refused to comment on Keorapetse’s response when contacted. Asked about whether he would apologise for what he said in the newspaper, he said: “I will not apologise because I have said nothing wrong about my party.” Madigele also said the language that was used against Rakgare was unpalatable hence they responded to Keorapetse’s letter before seeking answers from the party leadership.