Rifts, resurgence, rebuilding: BDP’s new story
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday May 19, 2025 07:54
What was supposed to be a symbolic event showcasing the beginning of a new chapter for the BDP instead revealed the growing discontent amongst its members and the steep hill the new leadership must climb to restore cohesion. Although the new leadership campaigned on themes of inclusivity, reconciliation, and internal harmony, the voting patterns observed during the congress told a vastly different story. Rather than echoing the rhetoric of unity, BDP members sent a loud and clear message through the ballot box, the era of loyalty to former president Mokgweetsi Masisi is over, and those perceived to be aligned with him were categorically rejected. One by one, prominent figures previously linked with Masisi were voted out some with staggering margins that left no room for ambiguity.
Amongst the most notable casualties were Kefentse Mzwinila, Kabo Morwaeng, and the former party chairperson Slumber Tsogwane. Once considered influential pillars within the party, these individuals were now firmly cast aside by the party faithful, who appear to be signalling a desire for a fresh start. Nonofo Molefhi’s fate, however, stood apart. His apparent association with a new emerging force within the party, someone many now view as the potential rescuer of the BDP earned him some leniency. While his support was not overwhelming, it was evident that his endorsement of this unifying figure spared him from total rejection. Unlike previous central committee (CC) elections where factional lobby lists were openly circulated and served as battle plans, this year’s congress had no such visible coordination or so it seemed on the surface. Yet, many within the party remain unconvinced. Beneath the veneer of an open contest, insiders claim there was a well-oiled machines working behind the scenes, subtly guiding votes and shaping the narrative. “There might not have been a formal lobby list, but make no mistake, the strategy was in place,” said a source close to the Mpho Balopi campaign. “If you knew how Barata-Phathi used to operate, you would recognise the same fingerprints here. The coordination was intense. We didn’t leave any stone unturned. That’s why the campaign was managed by Odirile Motlhale, who led several strategic teams.”
The source went on to express hope that now, with the elections over, president Balopi would take decisive steps to dissolve these campaign teams and instead focus on inclusivity by engaging those who were left out of his inner circle. Whether this hope will materialise remains to be seen. In the aftermath of the congress, new party president Balopi struck a conciliatory tone. In an interview, he emphasised the urgent need for healing and collective rebuilding. “We need all our members, including those who were suspended or even defected to form new parties,” Balopi stated. “I am serious when I say that I will personally reach out to them. We cannot win the 2029 General Elections without them. They are still BDP members at heart,” he promised. His remarks reflect a growing realisation that factionalism has severely weakened the BDP's foundations and that any hopes of long-term political dominance hinge on restoring internal unity. Newly elected secretary-general Kentse Rammidi echoed similar sentiments and identified a core reason behind the party’s internal fragmentation; the suppression of debate. In his view, the lack of open dialogue created an environment where members felt unheard and eventually took their frustrations to social media and other public platforms, further damaging the party’s image. “We have to go back to our roots,” Rammidi said during an interview.
“The reason we have factions is because members were not allowed to debate. If you disagreed with the leadership, you were quickly labelled anti-party or disloyal. That’s what killed internal democracy,” he highlighted. He emphasised the importance of creating spaces within the party for open and structured discussions. According to him, this should happen both through internal processes and at key party forums like the national congress and council. “We need to normalise healthy debate. Not every disagreement is a betrayal,” Rammidi noted, underscoring the need for a cultural shift within the BDP. As the dust settles from the Maun congress, the BDP stands at a critical crossroads. While the elections have ushered in new faces and potentially new energy, the deep wounds left by years of factionalism, purges, and strategic sidelining of dissenting voices cannot be healed overnight. There is also the lingering question of whether old factions—especially those with roots in Barata-Phathi, are staging a quiet comeback under a new guise. For many observers, the emergence of coordinated behind-the-scenes campaigns signal a reversion to the kind of political maneuvering that previously led to internal division. Nevertheless, there is also a sense of cautious optimism. Balopi’s vocal commitment to reconciliation, coupled with Rammidi’s insistence on fostering open debate, offers a glimmer of hope for a more inclusive and resilient BDP. But translating words into action will be the true test. Reaching out to suspended members and defectors will require more than phone calls and photo ops. The 2025 elective congress in Maun was not just a political event, it was a referendum on the BDP’s future direction. The message from the grassroots was clear; the old ways of exclusion and loyalty politics no longer resonate. What lies ahead is an opportunity to rebuild, rejuvenate, and reintroduce a version of the BDP that reflects both its founding values and modern-day political realities. For Balopi and his team, the work has just begun. Whether they succeed in their mission will not only determine the BDP’s fate in 2029 but also the broader future of Botswana's political landscape. Former president, Masisi previously urged party members to steer clear from factionalism, warning that it only deepens divisions within the BDP. “Those who thrive on factionalism must put an end to it. Factions will not help us build or strengthen the party,” he had warned.