Former President Khama celebrates as Dow dumps BDP
Former President Ian Khama this Tuesday used two social media posts to celebrate the resignation of Specially Elected Member of Parliament Dr Unity Dow from the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). This comes on the backdrop of recent posts on the same facebook linking Dow with Khama and attendant predictions that Dow's days at the ruling party were numbered.
In the first post, Khama used three clapping emojis to applaud Dow's move and indicate his elation at the headline that read: "Unity Dow Resigns from the BDP." In no time he had written another post in which he shared several pages of Dow's speech with the caption: "This is Judge Unity Dow speaking the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. God help us!" Many of those who commented on the posts had mixed reactions, with some joining in the celebration, while others expressed apprehension at the coincidence of Khama's celebrations in relation with facebook posts that a day earlier, predicted the resignation while also alleging that Dr Dow was working at the instruction of Khama.
Despite having made reference in her address that the feud between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former President Khama was affecting the country, Dr Dow declined to comment when asked to compare the two leaders’ style of administration.
However, she has described in her resignation announcement how the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) currently operates.
Dow announced her resignation this week Tuesday in a press conference just a few days before she was to appear before the Disciplinary Committee on a charge of defying the party President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi. The complainant was the BDP Chief Whip, Liakat Kablay.
The tagline of her well-crafted speech was, “Whisper no more,” asking that "if we do not say it freely who will." She said she is not asking the public to agree with her, but throughout her address asked rhetoric questions such as, "have you ever wondered why we are no longer save in our homes? Why is Sir Seretse Khama Airport empty now?"
She stated that no investor will invest in Botswana because the country's policies are weak. Despite being very selective in her words, as well as showing that she still loves the BDP, she did not spare President Masisi's style of leadership, blaming him for what she described as the current chaos. Dow feels relieved and at peace, and is very confident of her decision. "I have decided to be 'Mogothwana osebakeng modika o senna waabo' it is because I really feel that I have just reclaimed this voice, let me enjoy it, let me enjoy my freedom."
She has observed that leaders need to talk to as many people as possible. She has talked to several leaders in all political parties privately to try and understand where they want to take the country. She wanted to find out from them what they are offering Botswana.
"I really think that you should not be hiding under a table when you are meeting with Rre Duma Boko, or Rre Dumelang Saleshando or whoever."
In her opinion, the BDP caucus is no longer a caucus, it is where “we receive decisions of cabinet. We no longer debate issues at stake, decisions are made in cabinet and are given to Members of Parliament to execute and there is very little space for discussion. I will continue to say that the culture of any enterprise depends on the CEO."
Asked what she has done to correct the situation, Dr Dow said her record speaks for itself. She explained that the reason for being called for a disciplinary hearing is because there are allegations that she defied the party caucus.
She said that there are 38 BDP legislators and 38 witnesses that can state that there was no party caucus that ever discussed the replacement of Kgosi Mosadi Seboko at Pan African Parliament.
"But even if there was a party caucus, I would have voiced my word that I cannot take the position because there was no vacancy. Besides “gone gape ke kae ko tiro e patelediwang”?