I knew this was coming.
As a people, we are so tightly circled by the organizations we belong to, be it political parties, churches, workplaces, and so forth. Leaders, against the noble ideals of an open and democratic society, have skillfully inscribed rules within these organizations that run counter to those ideals. We have rules that forbid criticizing our organizations in public. In most cases, such criticism carries the ultimate reprimand—expulsion. This doesn’t apply only to the BDP but to all political parties and other organizations. I have always found this oppressive and against all principles of transparency. Unfortunately, people who dared to challenge this suppression suffered severe consequences. Only a few of you stood by them when they were going through hard times and vilification.
When I took a stand against the BDP’s response to the 2011 public strike, I followed my conscience. In return, I suffered humiliation from some of my fellow citizens for being a fool who ditched a plush job. Quitting a job is not an easy undertaking; this is why most of you remain in uncomfortable situations in your jobs. I suffered the ridicule alone, but I survived. I challenge anyone who is criticizing me to emulate me and quit their job in protest because they don’t like the way things are going. Try to spill the beans in your organization for the good of your country, and you will be walking alone in distress. Some members of your family, friends, and fellow citizens will baptize you in hellfire for being “stupid” enough to think you can change the world. You will be alone to suffer the consequences of your decision. I am glad my family, though disappointed by my decisions then, offered me unwavering support, even helping to see my kids through school. It was not easy—job offers were sabotaged.
For their own survival, I can assure you, no matter how bad things get, you will hardly hear any of your new leaders going to the rooftop to criticize their government. They will all be speaking in hushed tones. Mme akere re nna lebone re utlwa dingongorego tsa bone. At least once in my life, I ventured into uncharted waters, and given the same scenario again, I would do it again.
My electorate, also blinded by their love and loyalty to their party, saw me as a betrayer. All they could reason with was me belting out their party slogan. I didn’t blame them—I did the unthinkable. People never thought principle could push anyone that far. Some even said to me, “Mister, principle ga e jewe,” and that was brutal.
The reason I speak so frankly today is because I want to offer myself for an elective position in the BDP. All I want is for the Democrats to understand my character and my line of thinking so they can make a wise decision about whether I represent their values or not. Ga ke batle go ba phuthela ka kgetsi. They should know they will get a leader who will never again allow the party to derail in silence, no matter what it takes.
Lone lo le kae lona ha nna ke tlogela botona?
