Tsogwane’s legacy hangs in the balance
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday May 12, 2025 14:50


For Tsogwane, the election is a defining moment that will test both his political influence and his ability to unite a party still reeling from a historic electoral loss shock. The stakes have never been higher for the BDP. The party, which has long dominated Botswana’s political landscape, recently suffered a major setback at the polls. Many within its ranks attribute the loss to decisions made by the current leadership, with Tsogwane, as chairperson, playing a central role. Now, as he steps forward to contest the BDP presidency, Tsogwane’s leadership credentials and grassroots appeal will be scrutinised as never before. Traditionally, the BDP chairperson is seen as a powerful figure, closely connected to the party’s structures and the heartbeat of its support base. Tsogwane’s bid for the presidency brings these qualities into sharp focus. Yet, he faces formidable challengers - each representing a different vision for the party’s future. Amongst them are Mpho Balopi, the former secretary-general celebrated for his organisational skills and outspoken leadership; Ame Makoba, whose youth and energy embody a call for generational change; and Nonofo Molefhi, a veteran politician with a reputation for steady, experienced leadership.
Tsogwane’s own political journey is marked by both longevity and complexity. He has served as Botswana’s vice president under former president Mokgweetsi Masisi and was the longest-serving Member of Parliament for Boteti West, first elected in 1999. His deep roots in the party and extensive experience are undeniable assets. Notably, he enjoys the endorsement of Masisi - a factor that, in previous years, might have been a decisive advantage. However, the political winds have shifted. Masisi’s influence within the BDP has waned following the party’s recent loss of national power, and his support may now be as much a liability than a benefit. Many BDP members are openly frustrated with the leadership that presided over the defeat, and Tsogwane, as a key architect of the party’s recent direction, finds himself at the centre of this discontent. For years, Tsogwane was widely regarded as Masisi’s natural successor, expected to lead the party into the next era. But the electoral setback has cast a shadow over this anticipated succession. Disillusionment runs deep among the party’s grassroots, with some members openly blaming Tsogwane and his colleagues for the loss.
The upcoming congress, therefore, is not just about choosing a leader, it is a referendum on the party’s recent past and its future direction. Within the BDP, opinions are sharply divided. Some argue that retaining any member of the current executive, including Tsogwane, would signal a failure to learn from past mistakes. They believe the party must break with tradition and embrace new leadership if it hopes to regain the trust of the electorate. Others, however, see Tsogwane’s decades of experience as a vital stabilising force, particularly in turbulent times. They argue that his deep understanding of the party’s history and principles make him uniquely qualified to guide the BDP through this period of uncertainty. Despite his long service, Tsogwane has not been immune to criticism. During his tenure as Vice President, questions were raised about his ability to communicate effectively in both English and Setswana, an essential skill for any national leader.
These doubts persist as he seeks the presidency, adding another layer of complexity to his candidacy. Yet, Tsogwane remains a popular figure amongst many rural communities and older party members, who see him as a steadfast representative of their interests. His loyal grassroots support could prove decisive, even as a new generation of BDP members calls for bold change and fresh ideas. As the congress approaches, the BDP delegates face a clear and consequential choice; to stick with the experience and continuity that Tsogwane represents, or to embrace the promise of renewal offered by his rivals. The outcome will not only determine the party’s next leader but also signal the direction the BDP plans to take as it seeks to rebuild and reassert itself on the national stage. In the end, Tsogwane’s campaign for the BDP presidency is about more than personal ambition; it is a test of whether the party can reconcile its storied past with the urgent demands of the present. Whatever the result, this weekend’s congress promises to be a turning point in the history of the BDP, with Tsogwane’s legacy hanging in the balance.