Ndaba's BMD desperate for excuse to break free

Botswana Movement for Democracy’s (BMD) National Executive Committee (NEC) led by Ndaba Gaolathe wants the impasse at the orange movement to be resolved next week Thursday. Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) yesterday (Tuesday) started the process of trying to resolve the BMD matter by calling the two factions to appear before it. Yesterday Gaolathe-led group was scheduled to appear before the UDC NEC while today Advocate Sidney Pilane-led NEC will be appearing. UDC President has expressed hope that they will find a lasting solution for the BMD. Gaolathe-led NEC Secretary General Dr Phenyo Butale said they have shared with the UDC that the matter should be resolved by the 31st of August 2017 to curb the growing uncertainty and anxiety among the multitudes of BMD supporters. Dr Butale said the risk of losing their supporters is a real concern and danger to the opposition’s prospects of winning power in 2019. He said they are concerned about the unpalatable tone of the letter that was prepared by Gilbert Mangole, the Secretary General for Pilane-led NEC. “We have since extended our apologies to the UDC for the language and condescending tone of the letter. It is not representative of our beloved movement nor is it in line with our values of humility and selfless servitude to the multitudes of our people,” Dr Butale stated adding that the overzealously confrontational letter summarily rejects the noble efforts of the UDC. The letter dated 10th August 2017 says Dr Butale is far from being the legitimate Secretary General of the BMD that he has no authority to write anything to the UDC on behalf of the BMD.“In July 2017, the NEC elected at the congress in Ghanzi organised and conducted the BMD biennial elective National Congress at Matshekge Senior Secondary in accordance with Articles 13.4 and 13.5 of the BMD Constitution,” Mangole stated. The letter further warned that only the BMD NEC has competence to call, hold and conduct a congress of the BMD, and the NEC has no authority to delegate this function to the UDC or anybody else. Mangole adds that they have held their congress at a great expense, and there is altogether no reason to call and hold another. Both camps have indicated to the UDC in their letters of commitment in solving the crisis, that they would provide evidence that would prove their cases.