Gaolathe's BMD faction enters enemy territory this weekend

Suspended Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) leaders, Ndaba Gaolathe and Wynter Mmolotsi will this weekend enter enemy territories in their quest to address members of the beleaguered orange Movement. Both men, the President and Vice, including Women’s League President Joyce Mothudi, Chairperson of Elders Committee, Pako Keokile, National Organising Secretary, Kabelo and Phenyo Segokgo are on the verge of being expelled from the party after they snubbed the disciplinary committee for the second time this past weekend.

But undeterred by the unfolding developments, the suspended members are expected to address party members in Mochudi and Lobatse this coming Saturday and Sunday. The two constituencies are led by their rival faction of party Secretary General Gilbert Mangole and Chairman Nehemiah Modubule. Modubule lost Lobatse constituency to Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Sadique Kebonang in 2014 whilst representing BMD under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), while Mangole emerged victorious against Minister of Basic Education, Unity Dow in Kgatleng West.

Since being slapped with suspension letters last month, Gaolathe and Mmolotsi have been travelling around the country addressing members of the troubled organisation ahead of their much anticipated July elective congress in Bobonong.

“This is a free country and I will travel anywhere to talk to the members, whether they attack me or not. We are still going to Bobonong to get back the movement of the people,” said Segokgo, one of the people accompanying Gaolathe, when asked if they are not inviting a backlash by invading areas led by their principal rivals. On the other hand, Gaolathe said, “Congress is soon, so with patience congress should answer all your questions.” He and his entourage will be addressing BMD members in Lobatse on Saturday and in Mochudi on Sunday.

Party Chairman Nehemiah Modubule said, “I do not know anything about their meeting. There is no way a person who is suspended could go around addressing members. Let’s wait for the disciplinary committee to issue their judgment. I believe that they will look into consideration of all the things they have been doing.”