Guma speaks on BPF-UDC prospects
Ryder Gabathuse | Monday February 13, 2023 06:00
He has the desire of seeing the BPF taking its place as a coalition partner at the weakened Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) with the impending departure of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) to help opposition bloc oust the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Mmegi: There are accusations levelled against you that although you are not in the BPF leadership structures, you influenced some party leadership members loyal to you to sign a coalition agreement with the UDC without a mandate from the party. How true is that?
Guma: First and foremost I believe in opposition unity, in particular, BPF joining UDC.
However, BPF must follow its constitutional provisions on this matter. The national executive committee (NEC) took a position to join UDC in principle and that decision has not been revoked.
Mmegi: Why do you wish to see the BPF in a coalition partnership under the banner of the UDC? Guma: This is still work in progress and I want to reserve my comments as negotiations are ongoing.
My individual view doesn't change at the moment.
Mmegi: Why do you consider yourself suitable to lead the BPF? Guma: Members who collectively have requested me to stand and lead the party would determine my sustainability. These are internal elections and I don’t want to sound arrogant and claim to be the best.
Mmegi: If you are elected any time, what changes would you like to see taking shape immediately at the BPF?
Guma: Clear vision on where we want to take this party to with our opposition partners.
Mmegi: Why do you think there are people who still consider you an outsider at the BPF? Guma: They are graduates of mental asylum. Ignore them. Mmegi: Lately, it has been apparent that your relationship with the BPF patron, former president Ian Khama has broken down irretrievably. What has happened? Guma: I don't know sir, please ask him. I still respect him as a former head of State and an elder who has served this country and must retire and leave a respectful life.
He should be an advisor to all of us across the political divide and not take part in partisan politics. He should be a father figure.
Mmegi: How is it going to be possible for you to work with Khama when you are not in talking terms with him? Do you people really hate each other as it is purported?
Guma: We don't have to love or talk to each other.
The collective agenda on what is key to this country should be what binds us. We are both adults with our own families coming from different backgrounds. We both don't owe each other anything except respect.
Mmegi: You once appealed to people to stop thinking that the BPF is a party for the Khamas. Are you winning in that regard? Guma: That is a fact. Let us not debate this.
Mmegi: How would you like to rebrand the BPF so that it has massive appeal?
Guma: There is no need to rebrand.
Mmegi: Often times, you have been accused of politically fronting at the BPF for President Mokgweetsi Masisi, what’s your reaction to that?
Guma: That is not true. President Masisi is the only head of State at the moment. His position needs all our respect even when we differ with him on governance issues. We must play an oversight role as opposition but not bring anarchy and confusion in our country.
This is the only Botswana we have.
Mmegi: Do you think the BPF can win the general election on its own? What’s your plan to ensure that the BPF remains an important player on the political arena?
Guma: BPF can't win elections on its own. It has to be under the UDC. So, the party must join the UDC.