11 Apr 2016

The Botswana National Front (BNF) has launched three books as part of the party’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The books, The History of BNF, The Experience of Vietnam on the Multi-Organizational United Front and The Beginners Guide to Palestine/Israel Conflict were launched at Oasis Motel in Tlokweng recently.

Speaking at the event, Dr Elmond Tafa said The History of BNF is dedicated to educating the nation about the background of the party. He said history is about learning from the past mistakes because if the party does not learn from its mistakes defeating the ruling party will be just a dream.

Dr Tafa said the party wants to reflect on the theories that formed the different administrative practices in the organization. He added that The History of BNF is written based on information collected from secondary sources.

Dr Tafa said they are yet to write a full comprehensive book about the party. Also, speaking at the occasion, the chairperson of Botswana Society, Professor Bojosi Otlhogile said Dr Koma approached him seeking help for typing manuscripts that Dr Koma had written about the experience of Vietnam on the multi-organizational united front.

Prof Otlhogile said he saw it fit to publish the manuscript as it is the only book -length manuscript Dr Koma has ever written since he always focused on brief pamphlets.

He said that the manuscript gives an idea of Dr Koma’s philosophy around the issue of the front and how he believed it could be organized in the country.

Professor Otlhogile said he hopes the book present an opportunity to the new leaders and the party to revisit the issue of multi organizational front and the umbrella.

He also clarified that the book is Dr Koma’s contribution to the theory of the multi-organizational front and is not the history of Vietnam. Professor Otlhogile said Dr Koma used the experience of Vietnam to write theory of how multi-organizational front can be established in a country.

He said the aim of Botswana Society is to preserve the heritage, history and culture of the nation and by publishing Dr Koma’s books, their interest is on preserving the ideas of the country’s political icon and heritage.

Member of Parliament for Gaborone Central Dr Phenyo Butale said they published The Beginners Guide to Palestine/Israel Conflict because as a progressives movement they emphasize a lot on solidarity and internationalism and these are what guides a nation on having a clear position with other countries.

Dr Butale said if the party had enough resources they would have printed and published other books which include the likes of Swaziland and Western Sahara. ENDS