CHURCHES RESOLVE TO REPRIMAND MASISI & KHAMA

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Meeting resolved to set 24th February as a National Prayer Day for the feuding men

  • OP confirms receiving a request to meet Masisi from churches
  • Opposition conflict also in the church body resolution

TEFO PHEAGE

The Botswana Council of Churches (BCC) annual general meeting held over the weekend in Maun has resolved to reprimand President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former president Ian Khama over their public display of resentment towards each other.
The resolution has also set 24th February as a National Prayer Day for the duo. When asked what led to the resolution, the newly appointed BCC general secretary, Reverend Gabriel Tsuaneng said the AGM was gravely concerned over the duo’s deteriorating relationship and public display of animosity.
“We cannot sit on the sidelines and watch as this stand-off unfolds, as the church it is our primary duty to oversee and partake in the socio-political developments of this country and one thing that people should know is that we have an interest in the dispensation of justice for all,” he said. Tsuaneng further disclosed that the BCC AGM discussed that it should be easy to reprimand the two leaders as their membership with their respective churches fell directly under BCC. Khama is Anglican while Masisi is a member of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa.
The Office of the President has confirmed receiving a request from the churches to meet the president over his differences with Khama. The duo’s relationship has continued to deteriorate over public comments and counter rhetoric.
The AGM also resolved to summon the opposition block for dialogue and prayers owing to their bickering. “We regard the opposition as an important player in our democracy and development as a country and we cannot ignore the important role played by the opposition. We have noted that the opposition has its own share of problems which do not seem to be nearing their end and we have resolved to summon them at some point to help them iron out their differences since this is a political year,” said the newly elected BCC general secretary.
Asked on their views of the BCC resolutions, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, vice-president, Dumelang Saleshando said they will be more than willing to engage with churches as the UDC.
The AGM also expressed worry at the deteriorating academic results of students in public institutions and committed to follow up the matter to assess what could be going wrong. One issue that dominated the AGM was corruption in the country which they claim has become institutionalised.
The AGM elections…
The BCC General Assembly elected into office new leadership which will lead the Council for the next 3 years. Bishop Metlhayotlhe Beleme was retained as BCC President, Apostle/Moruti Lesedi Dick was elected as BCC’s 1st Vice President assisted by Rev Dean Thabo Mampane as 2nd Vice President, Rev Kagiso Tselaesele is 3rd Vice President, Rev Felicia Ramaribana as BCC 4th Vice President and Mr Roderick Mogotsi as 5th Vice President. The General Assembly appointed Rev Gabriel S. Tsuaneng to the position of General Secretary.