BDP funders accuse party of extortion
The business community, which has been funding the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) elections and political activities are threatening to pull a fast one on the party, if it doesn’t puts its house in order.
The BDP has not shied away from indicating that it also survives on well-wishers for its activities, even though like all other parties have kept its funders under wraps.
Botswana Guardian learnt this week that following a meeting held at the Gaborone Central Business District (CBD) in one of the upmarket hotels, the business community have conversed among themselves, expressing worry that it has been at the receiving end for allegedly failing the party.
This publication can reveal that on Wednesday morning this week in Kgale, there was another meeting by the business community where they showed discontent or distrust by people who have been sourcing funds on behalf of the party. The business community feels hard done prior and post the 2019 general election.
“Our concern is that people come to us on different capacities and fronts using the name of the party. We have individuals knocking at our doors whenever there are party activities and claiming the funds are for the party, only to learn that they keep such for themselves,” said a business operator who attended the Wednesday meeting. It has also been revealed that even ministers approach individual businesses seeking for funding on behalf of the party but the funds never reach the right place or channeled towards intended purpose.
“The worry is that they have started doing that even when they were warned against it. Remember the sourcing does not only happen during general elections even now as we speak since they are preparing for primary elections. This can also deplete you as you will be spending from the time when they are dealing with internal structures activities leading to Bulela-Ditswe then general election. Sometimes these requests come at level of threats, where the president’s name is used or where ease of doing business in the country or with government comes under threat,” said another.
The business community is said to have agreed that there has to be a meeting with President Mokgweetsi Masisi where he will give assurance that things will be done accordingly. This they believe will minimize mistrust and backlash from the BDP leadership that they are not rallying behind the party.
Sources have revealed that the business will now feel comfortable if they could only deal with the President, the Treasurer or head of Secretariat- the secretary general where there would also be a proper trace how the funds are being spent.
Reached for comment on Wednesday afternoon, BDP Secretary General said they are not aware of such reports.