Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) president, Ndaba Gaolathe told his party members to be careful of people who once left the party and now wanted to return, saying their return should be in line with party ideals. Speaking during the party’s third elective congress in Gantsi over the long weekend, Gaolathe said the return of such members has been a burning issue within the BMD and that party members should be open and speak out about it freely. “ Although welcoming new members is good for the party, it is important to assess these individuals and see if indeed they share the same principles of taking the party and the country where BMD wants to take it,” Gaolathe advised.
“They may apply for membership but just like in the army, not everyone who applies will be a soldier. If you are a party which is serious about liberating Batswana, know and understand the kind of people you are admitting to the party,” he said.
Recently, there was buzz within the BMD about the return of Advocate Sidney Pilane, which raised different views, some were sceptical while some embraced his application which is yet to be approved.
“ I do not have a problem with him returning because I do not know what he has done wrong. Maybe if we can be told by those who know what he has done wrong then I can have a different view,” said one of the delegates at the congress.
“Why did he leave in the first place and what is it that he wants from the BMD now? We don’t want him, we are still the same party that he left and have grown without him,” said one source briefly.
Pilane, who left the party in 2012 has since submitted his application for consideration, which is with the Gaborone North branch committee for consideration before being submitted to party leadership.