Balopi’s uphill task in rebuilding BDP
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday June 12, 2025 11:05
Internal divisions within the BDP have become more pronounced, and Balopi’s recent public remarks reflect the long road ahead in achieving internal cohesion. During a press conference held on Tuesday, Balopi revealed efforts made to foster collaboration and inclusivity within the party. As part of his strategy to promote unity and transparency, he said that he had extended invitations to former members of the party’s Central Committee (CC) as well as regional committees. His intention was to brief them on the vision and operational approach of the newly elected committee. “This gesture, aimed at promoting continuity and cooperation, was an essential step in building bridges between the past and the present leadership,” Balopi revealed .
However, the initiative did not unfold as anticipated. According to Balopi, several key figures from the previous CC chose not to attend the meeting. Their absence highlighted the underlying tensions and perhaps skepticism amongst some party veterans regarding the new leadership. Despite this setback, Balopi expressed gratitude toward one prominent figure, businessman and party stalwart Satar Dada, who did attend and engaged constructively in the discussions. Balopi’s acknowledgment of Dada’s participation underscored the importance of experienced leadership during times of transition. He said Dada’s involvement has proven particularly valuable in financial matters. Also, Balopi noted that the former treasurer has been collaborating with the current finance team to provide insights into how the party's finances were previously managed. Nonetheless, Balopi did not shy away from expressing concern about the state of the party’s finances. “It is not what we thought,” he said. In terms of the formal handing over of responsibilities, Balopi disclosed that the process has not yet taken place. While he remained optimistic that it would occur in due time, his remarks suggested a degree of uncertainty. “It is still early. We hope it will happen,” he stated.
Though Balopi did not want to talk much on the matter, this lack of a clear and structured transition further points to unresolved issues within the party’s upper echelons. The strained dynamics between Balopi and his predecessor, former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, also came under scrutiny during the press conference. When questioned about the nature of their relationship, Balopi chose his words carefully. Referring to Masisi as “my former president and party elder,” he offered a diplomatic response that neither confirmed nor denied any existing tensions. Nonetheless, it is common knowledge within political circles that the relationship between the two soured in recent years. This rift was particularly evident when Balopi was dropped from Cabinet. Additionally, he made the difficult decision not to contest for a parliamentary seat during the last general elections, reportedly for the sake of maintaining peace within the party. Balopi previously served as the Member of Parliament for the Gaborone North constituency and held the influential position of BDP secretary-general. Despite the apparent friction with Masisi, Balopi did not hesitate to praise another former BDP leader, former President Ian Khama. He described Khama as someone who had “delivered well” during his time at the helm of the party. Balopi also revealed his commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and responsible governance. He made it clear that his leadership does not intend to isolate or alienate anyone. “We are all BDP members, and they are our leaders.
Meeting with all important structures will help us to understand some of the decisions they made,” he had said. On other issue, Balopi revealed that BDP elders would have their own conference to elect council of elders whose chairperson will have an opportunity to seat in the Central Committee. The new sub-committees that were announced include political education and elections committee, communications and public relations, strategy and reforms, international relations, finance and fundraising and national organising committee.