Growing tensions within BDP could lead to a split
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday February 11, 2025 12:04
A faction within the party, calling themselves the ‘Madibela party’, is growing increasingly dissatisfied with the current leadership. These concerned members believe that if interference is detected during the upcoming elective congress, they may be forced to break away and form their own party. As if the loss in the General Election was not enough, the BDP is now grappling with the gradual departure of several long-standing, active members.
Some have resigned from their positions, while others, previously seen as credible figures, are exiting active politics altogether. This internal discontent has led to growing fears that the party could soon lose its appeal and become less popular amongst the public. The loss in the polls has not only exposed the party’s weaknesses but also fuelled internal conflicts, with some members calling for the resignation of party leadership. Certain members have taken to social media to openly criticise their leaders. According to a source within the party, the faction intent on breaking away appears well-organised and strategic.
'These members are holding regular meetings and have influential figures amongst them. If the party fails to reconcile its members, this could severely harm the party's future,' the source said. As things stand, the BDP must act quickly to mend internal divisions, as unity will be crucial for any hopes of success in the 2029 General Elections. However, the BDP's acting spokesperson, Kagelelo Kentse, emphasised that there are no factions, stating that democrats are simply preparing for the upcoming elective congress in July, with a lot of alignment taking place. Kentse clarified that this is a natural part of politics and not factionalism, adding that once new leadership is elected at the congress, all members will rally behind it, as Congress is the highest decision-making body. He also pointed out that democratic centralism teaches the party to unify under the elected leadership. “The party has released a programme from January to July to keep members engaged through consultations. This includes a national council, National Youth Executive Committee (NYEC) congress, and Women’s Wing congress, culminating in the national congress. He assured that these efforts will keep democrats active, and the party does not anticipate any challenges during this period,” he said.
On the matter of discipline, Kentse stated that any indiscipline within the party would be dealt with through the established process. He emphasised that disciplinary tools should not be used unnecessarily to isolate members, urging caution. While acknowledging that many democrats (as they call themselves) are upset over the party's loss of governance, he stressed the importance of expressing dissatisfaction in a way that does not harm the party. 'We all love this party, and we are all saddened by our loss. At the end of it all, we must accept it, regroup, rebuild, and reorganise,' Kentse pointed out, reaffirming that the party is still alive and has strong support in Botswana. Those who resigned recently in their positions include Kentse as a chairperson of sub-communication committee and Dr Lemogang Kwape as the secretary-general of the party.