22 Dec 2015

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has intensified its recruitment drive. The ruling party showed its intent when it welcomed new members yesterday.

Officially welcoming the members to BDP shores at a press briefing in Gaborone, BDP chairperson, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said the new recruits were of merit and substance.

Mr Masisi, who is also the country’s Vice President, said Mogoditshane had gained a credible member in former Botswana Congress Party (BCP) member and Mogoditshane Central North councillor, Mr Johnson Rowland.

He said former Botswana National Front (BNF) member, Mr Meshack Mthimkhulu was also a man of substance, who also had a good following. Vice President Masisi said the two were both young, which underscored the point that the BDP was a party with a place for every generation.

Furthermore, he said BDP was responsive to the demographic divide, adding that by joining BDP,  the new members signalled a warning to opposition parties that the 2019 battle would be a tough one.

He implored both the Kweneng and Gaborone region leaders to ensure that the new members settled well in the party. “Welcoming these members is a very happy ending for the year and the best Christmas present BDP has had in a while,” he said.

For his part, Mr Rowland said he joined the BDP out of his own choice, adding that he was not bribed to join the rulling party as some people might think.

He said there were some things that happened at BCP after the general elections that forced him to join the BDP.

Mr Mthimukulu, who contested for the Gaborone South sit in the general elections as an independent candidate, said he joined BNF while he was still a student at Kgale and stayed with the party until 2013 when there was a misunderstanding between him and some BNF members regarding the party procedures. ends