Masisi charms BDP faithful
Monkagedi Gaothobogwe | Monday July 6, 2015 18:03
From the onset it was a popularity test for Masisi, who following the October general elections, sent shockwaves when he was appointed to the number two position of the land. The Moshupa/Manyana MP had prior to the most contested elective congress, met skepticism, with many pundits saying he lacked the mass appeal and endorsement to win the chairmanship.
Masisi’s massive win, however, silenced his critics, who were forced to accept that the VP has stamped his authority and legitimacy. It was a victory forged through a successful tactical plan whose theatre played itself out at Mmadinare at least three days before the central party elections.
Masisi team had set up camp for all their delegates at a farm called Matheankwe, with 1500 tents fitted with two beds were pitched for the delegates and they poured in from all directions. The western region and its branches joined the southern region and their branches. From the assessment of his camp on Friday night, it was clear Masisi was enjoying the massive support of Francistown region, as well Serowe, Boteti,BOMASE region, Letswapo, Chobe, and many others whose delegates could be seen at the campsite.
Different kinds of foods were being served, including Chicken Licken takeaways, endless freedom supply of booze at night since Wednesday was observed. Delegates also received warm blankets and BDP branded merchandise such as coffee jars. At night the sight of bon fires was common at the Masisi camp. Each group of delegates was orderly put in their tents with their leaders and each delegate had its own bonfire made by the Masisi campaign team. At night they would gather at a central marque tent where official proceedings including choirs took place.
On the Friday night, Masisi himself made a passionate plea to the multitudes before they were entertained by a DJ, as the BDP faithful danced the night away in style before indulging in more free alcohol. The delegates were made to feel like kings and queens, as they were woken up to, warm baths, warm bonfires and breakfast.