Three top members of the Botswana Democratic Party in Serowe South are poised for a breathtaking catfight ahead of the 2019 General Elections.
Current area Member of Parliament Pelonomi Venson faces stiff challenge from her long-term political nemesis, Tebelelo Seretse who since returning from her diplomatic tour has been working her old contacts in the constituency.
Former Permanent Secretary, now Head of the Medical School at the University of Botswana, Dr Kolaatamo Malefho is also among the people who have expressed interest.
So far attempts at a compromise have failed.
And both President Ian Khama and Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi are said to have resisted attempts at dragging them into the looming fray.
Confusion started after Venson announced that she was retiring from constituency politics only for her to change her mind. Venson had handpicked Dr Malefho as her successor, even going as far as to introduce him to various local authorities.
But after losing her bid to become African Union Chairman, Venson started backpedalling on her plans to retire from politics.
She came back to see Malefho too far gone into his back channel campaigns in the constituency for him to climb down.
Sunday Standard can confirm that a behind the scenes cold war has been raging between Venson and Malefho.
Incidentally, this has brought Venson and Seretse closer as they are united against giving the constituency to a “freshman.”
To put a cherry on top, another former civil servant, Sefhane Phuthego has also thrown his name into the mix.
Phuthego however has outside chance, at least for now.
Recently Seretse caused a public stir when she summoned Venson to question her why she has not been attending to party events in the area in her ex officio capacity as Member of Parliament.
It had the makings of what lies ahead as primary election campaigns heat up ahead of 2019.
Dr Malefho has confirmed to Sunday standard that he is planning to retire from the civil service early next year.
“I have a passion for politics. Naturally I will be looking at my home village,” he said to Sunday Standard.
