"We are fed up with BMD" say Ndaba's factionalists

Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) Gaborone Region faction in support of Ndaba Gaolathe says it is fed up with the party. These members of the BMD disclosed during a consultative meeting this past weekend in Gaborone that whatever decision would be taken by Umbrella for Democratic Change leadership in resolving the BMD impasse, they are leaving and forging ahead with registering a new party. The members said the BMD is already tainted with negativity and the best thing would be to start all over again. Last night (Tuesday) UDC was scheduled to hand down its verdict on the two BMD factions.

The faction led by Gaolathe has pleaded for a fresh elective congress. When appearing before the UDC jurisdiction the Ndaba faction admitted that both congresses held in Bobonong in July this year were not properly conducted. On the other hand the faction led by Advocate Sidney Pilane argues that the congress it held at Matshekge Hill School was constitutional. They further maintained that there is no need to hold another congress. During the Saturday meeting it was evident that those supporting Gaolathe in Gaborone Region are not interested in the verdict of the UDC.

They want a new home. They told the regional committee that the UDC verdict should not stop them from forming the new party. One of the speakers, councillor Sesupo Jacobs, said they are no longer interested in the BMD colours or slogan. “We cannot be found to be crying for a name, or the colour. We have to move on. We do not even know what to tell our electorates when they ask us, which BMD are we talking about. “I doubt that we would be able to work with Pilane so we have to make a resolution that we are going no matter what,” said Jacobs to the agreement of those in attendance.

Gaborone Regional Chairman Sonny Moatlhodi pleaded with the members to allow the UDC to hand down its verdict. He agreed with them that they are running out of time but cautioned them that it is important to give the UDC time. “We are no just relaxing as the leadership. We are working on something else even Registrar of Societies would be visited within a blink of an eye. But we have to respect the UDC,” said Moatlhodi.