Boko to intervene in rising BNF internal wrangles
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday May 26, 2025 16:23
The party’s elective congress will be held in Palapye during the President Day holidays. Boko anticipated intervention comes in the wake of growing internal tensions and concerns about the nature of the ongoing campaign activities.
According to sources within the BNF, especially those in senior positions, there is increasing unease over how the campaigns by rival factions are being conducted.
It is alleged that these internal contests have taken an acrimonious turn, with some veterans warning that the aggressive tactics being employed are not only tarnishing the party’s image but also sowing divisions amongst its members.
The primary factions currently vying for influence within the BNF include the team led by State Ministers Moeti Mohwasa and David Modise, and the other group headed by Ministers Ketlhalefile Motshegwa and Nelson Ramaotwana.
Both teams reportedly comprise a mix of seasoned and relatively new members, creating a generational and ideological divide that has further complicated the race.
A senior party insider has expressed concern over the direction the campaigns have taken.
“Both teams have individuals with valuable experience, as well as those who are relatively new to leadership. It would be a great loss to the party if we were to sideline our most experienced members in favour of individuals who lack sufficient knowledge of party operations,” the source noted.
They emphasised that, with just seven months left before the end of the BNF's term under the broader coalition of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), unity is more crucial than ever.
“The current situation calls for reconciliation and compromise. We cannot afford to be a house divided at this critical juncture.
“Everyone involved should put the party’s interests first. Some of the members running in these elections are vital to the future of the Central Committee, and we must find a way to include them regardless of which faction they belong to,” the source added.
Moreover, the source revealed that Boko is particularly concerned about the need to strengthen the CC with experienced and competent individuals.
Given his responsibilities at the national level, particularly under the UDC government, he reportedly wants a team that can effectively steer the party’s internal affairs in his partial absence.
Despite these concerns, it has become evident that any attempt by the president or non-contesting senior leaders to broker peace or propose a “compromise team” may not be easily accepted.
Mmegi has learnt that some members from both factions remain staunchly opposed to any reconciliatory arrangement that could sideline their preferred candidates.
Tensions are further heightened by allegations that some current CC members are using their positions to advance the interests of specific individuals aligned with them. This perceived favouritism has caused discontent amongst grassroots members, many of whom now advocate for the removal of certain CC members.
“There is growing dissatisfaction with how some of the current CC members are handling themselves. They are seen to be favouring certain candidates, which undermines the democratic spirit of the party,” the source said.
These internal conflicts have not been confined to party offices. Reports indicate that the factions have taken their rivalry to social media platforms and WhatsApp groups, where members openly criticise and attack one another.
Alarmingly, the discord has trickled down to the party’s lower structures. Relationships amongst local branches and members have reportedly soured, with some members no longer on speaking terms due to the ongoing political infighting, Mmegi has learnt.
Concerns have also been raised that upcoming events, such as the Youth League congress scheduled to take place in Kang, may be marred by factional voting patterns.
However, critics fear that members may vote based on factional loyalties rather than merit or leadership capability, further weakening the party’s cohesion and effectiveness.
When contacted for comment on Tuesday, the BNF chairperson Dr. Patrick Molutsi confirmed that he was aware of growing concerns within the party regarding the nature of the campaigns.
However, Molutsi said that he was not aware of any formal plans on the part of Boko to meet with the two factions. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the need for unity and discipline within the party.
“I am not aware that Boko wants to meet with leaders of the two teams specifically, but I do know he is concerned about how the campaigns are being conducted,” he said.
“It would indeed be beneficial if the factions could come to a compromise and form a united team. Our priority should be building the party, not destroying it.”
Molutsi further disclosed that the party leadership has already been engaging the two factions on matters concerning election procedures and campaign standards.
“Internal party elections are not supposed to divide us. Our members must understand that there are rules and regulations that govern these processes.
“What we are seeing in some campaigns is behaviour that mirrors contests against external political opponents, which is not acceptable within the BNF,” he emphasised.