Financial problems cast doubt over BNFYL congress
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday May 26, 2025 16:17
The uncertainty stems from lack of financial support from the mother body, raising concerns within the league’s leadership and membership.
Sources within the Youth League have revealed that they had submitted a formal request to BNF leadership, seeking P110,000.00 in financial assistance.
The funds being sought are intended to cover essential logistics for hosting a successful congress. However, with just a few days remaining before the event, the Youth League is yet to receive a response or any form of support from the main party structure.
One source said the Youth League’s financial situation is dire. “We currently have no money in our account, which is why we reached out to the mother body for assistance. It is disheartening that critical expenses such as the venue hire and accommodation for our delegates remain unpaid. We are now racing against time, and the silence from the party leadership is quite frustrating,” said a source close to the matter.
The informant further disclosed that a formal letter was addressed to the secretary-general of the party, appealing for intervention.
Unfortunately, there has not been any acknowledgement of the letter, nor indications that the matter been referred to the party’s treasurer for consideration.
There is a common misconception that because the Youth League is independent, it must always fend for itself. However, independence does not mean isolation. The mother body still bears a moral responsibility to ensure that democratic processes within the party, including youth congresses, are facilitated and supported, the source added.
In addition to highlighting financial struggles, the source emphasised that while the Youth League operates as an independent structure within the BNF, the autonomy should not preclude the mother body from offering support in times of critical need.
Furthermore, the source suggested that Youth Councillors should be encouraged to contribute their membership subscription fees directly to the Youth League account.
The situation has sparked broader concerns amongst members and supporters about the level of coordination and communication between the party’s organs.
Many fear that if the impasse continues, it may not only derail the congress but also signal deeper organisational and structural challenges within the BNF.
As the congress date draws near, all eyes are on the party leadership to see whether they will respond in time to salvage the event.
For now, the Youth League remains in a state of limbo, yet hopeful but anxious about the uncertain days ahead.
In an interview, BNF YL president Thatayaone Tsimakoko said the issue of funds is before the mother body, and it is still being discussed.
“Of course, we have not yet paid for the place where the congress will be held. Again, we have not yet concluded on the venue as we are still discussing, but it will be held in Kang,” he said.
Tsimakoko added the Youth League does not have money, therefore, the mother body is the one that would assist with the funds.
Furthermore, he said normally the congress is run by contributions from delegates, and the issue of registration would be completed by Wednesday next week.
However, if all youth structures are active, the delegates will be over 3,000 as per the Youth League constitution, which is now active. Currently, some are calling for the review of the Youth League constitution.
BNF secretary general, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, had not responded to Mmegi's questions by Press Time.