FOOD FOR VOTES
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Secretary General hopeful, Kabo Morwaeng, is facing fresh criticism after allegations emerged that a private lunch he hosted for select delegates at his place in Phakalane turned into a platform to attack rival, Pelotshweu Baeng.
According to an anonymous source, Morwaeng spent much of the engagement talking ill against Baeng, and accused him of having been arrested for stealing money during his time as a trade unionist.
The source said they felt used and insulted.
“We were invited for lunch in a fancy place. That place is as beautiful as a Presidential Palace, but I feel insulted because we were only brought food, I thought it was a special invite.
“I’m wondering if Morwaeng thinks he can buy me or us with food. It’s time we change all these as BDP, this system of being bought!”
A renowned trade unionist, Baeng is best known for his leadership during the 2011 civil servants’ strike while serving as president of Botswana Land Boards and Local Authorities and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU).
He played a key role in shaping the strike’s political direction, contributed to its strategic planning, and mentored emerging union leaders like Tobokani Rari and Ketlhalefile Motshegwa.
In response to allegations of stealing union monies, Baeng said that he is not surprised by such allegations, saying they are political mudslinging by his competitors.
He said if the allegations were true, he would not be contesting for elections right now.
“I trust that Madomkrag will choose right, either food or the 15-point transformation agenda that I am presenting and continue to articulate to delegates and members.' When confronted with the allegations, Morwaeng noted that he does not entertain rumours. He said he is presenting to democrats what he can offer if elected as the BDP SG.