- Domkrag veteran will not be available for re-election after decades of service
GAZETTE REPORTER
Business tycoon and Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) veteran, Satar Abdul Dada, has announced his decision not to seek re-election as party treasurer when his tenure ends in August 2025.
BDP spokesperson Kagelelo Kentse has confirmed the development, emphasising that Dada has not resigned but will step down as treasurer after completing his term.
“Mr Dada has stated that he will not be defending his position as treasurer at the next congress,” he said in an interview yesterday (Tuesday). “He remains a bona fide BDP member.”
Since early 1990s
Aged 84 now, Dada first became the party’s treasurer when he succeeded Ponatshego Kedikilwe in the position in the early1990s. His political journey includes serving as a councillor and MP, making him one of the party’s longest-serving leaders.
Dada’s decision comes amidst growing demands from party members for the entire Central Committee to resign following the BDP’s devastating loss in the 2024 general elections.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi has already announced that he will not run for any leadership role at the next congress. BDP Chairman Slumber Tsogwane and Secretary General Kavis Kario are also reportedly stepping back while the Chairman of the BDP Youth Wing, Collen Mochotlhi, has already vacated his position.
Mpho Balopi
Meanwhile, speculation is mounting about former secretary general Mpho Balopi’s potential bid for the chairmanship or presidency of the BDP.
Balopi, who reportedly fell out with Masisi, is said to be rallying supporters with a promise to restore the BDP to its “glory days.”