The resilience of MEL’s leader Themba Joina is second to none. BG reporter JOSEPH BALISE talks to him

BG: You are one of the few political lightweights who have stood the test of time while many abandoned their cause. What motivates you?
Joina: We are a party that is pursuing a scientific socialist agenda. We know that this is a project that requires high dedication, determination, and discipline.
It is a project that one must expect a lot of sacrifices for. The sacrifices may be social, economical and at times may include one’s life. We know that at the end of it all, scientific socialist programmes must succeed as they represent a stage in the history of mankind.
BG: Scientific socialism has failed elsewhere in the world, how do you expect it to work in Botswana?
Joina: We must admit that the imperialist forces are still strong on the ground. They have destabilised the first socialist state of the USSR. However, they have failed to remove the conditions that led to the outbreak of the socialist revolution. In this way, there is nothing that can stop scientific socialist revolution in that the existence of capitalism itself is a condition that will lead to socialist revolution. People should realise that socialism, as a model of development, did not fail. What failed are individual leaders in their societies. Some countries like Cuba, North Korea and others are still growing.
BG: Is this achievable in the Botswana context?
Joina: Yes, the working conditions are poor. The salaries are low and labour laws are unfavourable to the workers. The government is oppressive and the living conditions of the workers are dissatisfactory. All these are conditions necessary for a scientific socialist revolution.
BG: Why is your party failing to make an appeal when new parties have recorded phenomenal growth like the BCP?
Joina: The media and other resources are favouring the liberal parties. New parties like the BCP and BMD are merely reproductions of the parties they come from – that is, they bring with them councillors and parliamentarians who are better resourced to sustain the parties. MELS started from scratch in 1984 as a student movement and when it entered the political arena in 1994 it was met with hostility from all quarters including the ruling party, opposition parties and the public and private media.However, we are happy that despite all this, our members remain loyal and committed to the organisation. They are able to organise workshops, conferences, political rallies and congresses. We have over 17 000 registered members predominantly in the marginalised Kgalagadi region. Those constituencies have however on a number of years failed to produce parliamentary candidates although they have produced council candidates. Their committees have not been effective.
BG: How do you intend to remedy the situation?
Joina: We intend to traverse the areas organising workshops. Statistics also indicate that we are gaining support in urban areas that were traditionally BNF strongholds. We still believe that our strength has not been tested in that the electoral system in the country denies a lot of people the chance to vote for a political party of their own choice.
BG: How?
Joina: Because the electoral system is constituency based. If the electoral system can be changed to proportional representation, we are confident that we will do well.
BG: What is your position on party cooperation?
Joina: Our position has not changed over the years. At the recent Palapye congress I said, “One can only hope that all opposition parties will find a genuine formula in which they can embrace each other. We remain loyal to these ideals. Unity in diversity is possible, and can be achieved”. We also believe that forces with similar ideological orientations must work closely together and where there is no meeting place in terms of ideology it will be a waste of time to try and work with each other unless a profound minimum programme can be spelt out.The problem now is that most parties do not think of minimum programmes and instead are thinking of how to distribute constituencies and wards.
BG: In the Botswana context, do you foresee your party joining hands with other opposition parties?
Joina: We do not know. It is highly unlikely because we are apart from them ideologically. We differ with them save that in some parties there are also socialists who feel we must be taken on board.
In practice, this may cause problems within those parties when there is realignment of forces. We, however, hold the current leadership of the parties in high respect, but as a party we are not desperate. We are, however, open to dialogue.
BG: Do you think there is any chance of a minimum programme in Botswana?
Joina: It depends on the commitment of parties. Right now it appears the commitment is low. People are only interested in removing the BDP from office and what happens next they do not care.
BG: Do you think Batswana take you as a serious politician?
Joina: Statistics indicate that Batswana are becoming politically conscious and as such they realise that we are in the right. All we need now is to increase our activities, strengthen our structures and be more disciplined. Ordinarily, as a party we respect the views of Batswana. We will keep on taking their advice.
BG: Is it prudent for you to continue politically?
Joina: Yes. The aim is to create a new scientific socialist order. It might come now or in the future but we have to lay a firm foundation. In the future this foundation will be of great use and service to this country.
We see ourselves as a party for future generations.
BG: What are your views on declaration of assets?
Joina: Our position is that this is an absolute necessity. We do not believe leaders’ assets should be kept secret. Assets acquisition must be explained and their history must be traceable. And the leadership must be broadened to include politicians, senior civil servants, parastatal organisations’ heads and heads of public listed companies.