BNF power struggles intensify ahead of congress
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday June 12, 2025 10:46
With the Women’s League and Youth League congresses recently concluded and both delivering decisive victories for the Moeti Mohwasa/Stephen Modise team, the political climate within the Botswana National Front (BNF) is growing increasingly tense. However, despite these back-to-back victories, their political rivals, the Ketlhalefile Motshegwa/Nelson Ramaotwana team, remains unconvinced that the outcomes of these leagues polls provide any accurate reflection of what might unfold at the upcoming Botswana National Front (BNF) mother body congress, scheduled for July in Palapye.
The BNF, a key affiliate of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), is preparing for one of its most pivotal moments, the election of its central committee (CC).
This congress is anticipated to attract wide attention and possibly reshape the internal political dynamics of the party. Notably, the looming leadership contest has also revealed divisions amongst high-profile members of the party, including Cabinet ministers, who will be competing directly against each other.
At the heart of the anticipated contest are two major leadership positions namely the secretary-general role and the influential one of Chairperson.
Minister of Health, Stephen Modise is expected to go head-to-head with the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa.
Meanwhile, in the latter contest, the Minister for State President, Moeti Mohwasa, will square off against Nelson Ramaotwana, who is the political head at the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services.
These face-offs between Cabinet colleagues reflect not only ideological and strategic divisions within the party, but they also show the brewing struggle for influence and direction in the post-congress BNF.
Despite the sweeping victories for the Mohwasa/Modise team in the two leagues’ elections, the opposing Motshegwa/Ramaotwana camp has downplayed their significance.
One campaign manager for the Motshegwa/Ramaotwana team who did not want to be named, argued that the league congresses do not serve as reliable predictors for the July congress outcome.
'What happens in the leagues does not reflect what will happen at the main congress,' source said.
“The upcoming congress is attended by elders who are not easily swayed by short-term incentives or financial persuasion. These are seasoned members who know what they want for their party.”
He went on to suggest that the seriousness of the July congress is underscored by the nature of its debates and the outcomes of commissions — internal working groups that will deliberate on party strategy and policy.
According to a source, these elements distinguish the mother body congress as a more substantive event than the league gatherings. Furthermore, the source dismissed the notion that any one team currently holds a clear advantage.
“The ground is level,” he insisted, adding that, “this election will not be won by simply securing the support of a particular block or pushing a rigid lobby list. It will come down to the merit of arguments and the credibility of leadership”.
In contrast, the Mohwasa/Modise camp views the recent league victories as a validation of their increasing popularity and influence within party structures.
According to their supporters, the consistent support they received from both the Youth and Women’s Leagues demonstrates growing confidence in their leadership and signals a shift in momentum ahead of the Palapye congress.
Moreover, sources close to the Mohwasa/Modise team argue that these victories suggest that grassroots structures, particularly younger voters and women, are aligning more with their vision for the party’s future.
BNF chairperson, Dr. Patrick Molutsi, confirmed that the compromise meeting between the two factions is still ongoing.
“It is true that we are consulting with both teams to explore the possibility of a compromise,” he said.
“We have just assumed leadership, and ensuring party stability and peace is a top priority for us. Although we have met twice, each time the teams bring different individuals to the table. As a result, we are now insisting on meeting directly with the team leaders. While they are busy, I have urged them to make time so we can hold a meaningful discussion. The details of these meetings are confidential, and we are not at liberty to share the discussions, even with some members of the respective teams.”
In addition, Molutsi revealed that he has assembled a team to draft a code of conduct for campaign activities in preparation for the upcoming congress.
So far, he expressed satisfaction with the behaviour of those intending to contest for party positions, stating that no complaints regarding smear campaigns or misconduct have been received.
However, Molutsi acknowledged that challenges often stem not from the team leaders themselves, but rather from their supporters. Therefore, he emphasised the need for clear guidelines to maintain discipline during the campaign period.
Moreover, the party chairperson reminded members that, ultimately, the BNF must emerge as the true winner, regardless of internal competition.
As the July congress approaches, both camps are working tirelessly to secure support, not just through lobbying, but also through shaping narratives about the party’s direction, values, and readiness for national leadership.