Kelepi Resigns from BPP Ahead of Disciplinary Action Mmegi Online August 3, 2023 Botswana Patriotic Party (BPP) President Biggie Butale has resigned from his position, effective immediately. This development comes amidst mounting pressure and allegations of misconduct, which had prompted the party to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him. In a statement released to the media, Butale expressed his regret for the situation and emphasized that his resignation was in the best interests of the party. He stated that he would continue to support the BPP from outside the presidency and work towards its success in future elections. Butale’s resignation follows weeks of turmoil within the BPP, which began with allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of power. The party’s Central Committee established a disciplinary committee to investigate the claims, and Butale was notified of the pending charges. Sources within the BPP have indicated that the allegations against Butale were substantial and could have resulted in his expulsion from the party. However, his resignation has preempted this outcome and allowed him to depart on his own terms. The BPP is currently undergoing a period of transition, with its National Elective Congress scheduled for later this year. Butale’s resignation is expected to open the door for new leadership within the party and could potentially influence the outcome of the upcoming election. The BPP is one of Botswana’s oldest and most established opposition parties. It has been struggling to regain its former prominence in recent years, and Butale’s resignation may signal a turning point in its efforts to revive its political fortunes.Former activist Dumani Kelepi resigned from the Botswana People’s Party (BPP) on June 7, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s decision to ban him from participating in primary elections.Former activist Dumani Kelepi resigned from the Botswana People’s Party (BPP) on June 7, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s decision to ban him from participating in primary elections. Kelepi was not explicit about the reason for his resignation, but his comments suggest it was directly related to the ban. He stated that he had no interest in working with an organization that kept him on the sidelines. Kelepi denied allegations that he would contest the election under the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) banner. He said that while the BPF had not approached him to be their candidate, he was exploring other options to represent his constituents. BPP general secretary Tiroyaaone Ntsima confirmed Kelepi’s resignation occurred before disciplinary action could be taken against him. Kelepi had previously taken the BPP to court over the ban. The court ruled in favor of the BPP, preventing Kelepi from participating in the primary elections.Former Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) Secretary General, Kelepi Gabathuse has resigned from the party ahead of disciplinary action. The BPF, a splinter group of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), has been rocked by a series of internal squabbles in recent months. Following months of intra-party squabbles, the party’s disciplinary committee had recommended that he be expelled. In a letter to BPF president, Biggie Butale, Gabathuse said he had decided to resign from the party in order to “avoid further acrimony and division” within the party. “I wish to state that I have served the BPF to the best of my ability and I believe that my resignation is in the best interests of the party,” he said. Gabathuse’s resignation comes at a time when the BPF is preparing for its elective congress. The party has been divided between two factions, one led by Butale and the other by former vice president, Tumiso Rakgare. It is not yet clear whether Gabathuse’s resignation will have any impact on the upcoming congress.