04 Aug 2019

Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) ushered in new national executive committee at their 1^st national elective congress in Palapye over the weekend.

Mr Biggie Butale was unopposed as party president and is deputised by Ms Caroline Lesang. Ms Roseline Panzirah-Matshome was elected secretary general, and Mr Vuyo Jane, vice secretary whilst Mr Oboletswe Butale was elected party chairperson.

The treasurer position is occupied by Mr Kganetso Kganetso assisted by Mr Robert Maribana. 

The secretary for economic affairs position went to Mr Sekgodi Bogatsu and Mr James Kgalajwe was elected secretary for International Affairs.

Also voted was Mr Justice Motlhabane as National and Publicity secretary and Mr Ford Moiteela as National and Organising secretary. The congress also elected Mr Fox Segwai and Ms Ivory Keekee as youth and women league chairpersons respectively. 

However, the amended constitution will be launched soon. Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama was chosen as the party founding patron. In his acceptance remarks, Mr Butale thanked BPF members for a peaceful congress.

He urged Batswana to remove Botswana Democratic Party from power, saying the BDP government had lost direction and destroyed the values and status the country was known for. 

He encouraged BPF members to work hard to remove BDP from power in the next general election.  “I would like to see BDP losing the next elections,” Mr Butale said. 

He said BPF was going to cooperate with opposition parties during the general election. He urged members to protect the party’s unity at all times, noting that they were living in an era of hopelessness as they faced youth unemployment. 

“When there is a crisis like this, it is a moment to do what is right. We are diplomats of hope and a moment of change is here,” he said. ENDS