BNFYL defends Gaolathe over UDC cards

Botswana National Front Youth League has defended Umbrella for Democratic Change Secretary General, Ndaba Gaolathe over the coalition party membership card. Gaolathe, who is also President of Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) came under fire last week after he called for a speedy application of membership cards by UDC general members and contracting parties.  He also urged for the direct application of membership to the UDC by unaffiliated members.

Botswana National Youth League (BNFYL) president Khumoekae Richard yesterday said that membership cards are important. “The UDC is a political coalition that contests election as a registered political party. The question is: where on earth have we seen a political party without membership cards?” he asked. Richard said the Secretary General is not guilty of any offence. He instead accused some members of crying over lack of consultation. He argued that there was proper consultation done prior to introducing the cards, adding that consultation in politics is not merely consultation in a loose meaning but is another version of democracy.

“As you will be aware, the UDC Constitution requires the issuance of cards by the UDC which issuance, given the structure of the UDC, needs to take into account the involvement of all the contracting parties as we as members who wish to join as direct members of the UDC. The BNF in its 2013 Gantsi Congress resolved to give the UDC Constitution the green light. In accepting the UDC Constitution, BNF members were legitimising everything that defines a political party,” he said.

Richard dismissed claims that the soul of the BNF has been sold by allowing for acquiring of UDC membership cards. He indicated that they have observed with great discomfort, a disturbing trend of cadres who in light of the UDC card development throw tantrums at the leadership. He challenged fellow UDC members to debate issues without disrespecting the movement leadership and its decisions.