Rising tensions as BNF delegate battles intensify

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday July 7, 2025 06:05

The BNF congress will be held in Palapye during the President's holidays.

What began as a routine build-up to the congress has now escalated into a fierce political battle that pits two rival teams against each other, Nelson Ramaotwana and Ketlhalefile Motshegwa on one side, and Moeti Mohwasa and Stephen Modise on the other. As the BNF gears up for the congress, which is expected to shape the party’s direction ahead of the 2029 General Election, the competition for influence amongst delegates has become increasingly intense. Constituencies and wards have become battlegrounds, with reports suggesting that the scramble for control over lists of delegates is more aggressive than anticipated.

Initially, the party’s secretary-general, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, had set June 30, 2025, as the official deadline for the submission of delegate names. This information was contained in a circular issued to the party structures across the country. However, in a surprising turn of events, Mmegi has learnt that the deadline may have been quietly extended by an additional week.

This apparent extension has not been publicly announced, but party insiders confirm that members were informed informally of the new submission time frame. Although a majority of constituencies are believed to have submitted their lists (of delegates), there is uncertainty regarding the completeness of these submissions. Specifically, it remains unclear whether all 61 constituencies submitted delegates from all their respective wards. The lack of clarity has further fueled suspicions about internal manipulation and discrepancies in the delegate registration process. According to a credible source within the party, controversy has already emerged in the Tonota constituency. The source alleges that inconsistencies were discovered between the names signed for at the constituency level and those eventually submitted to the party headquarters.

“It was realised that the names signed for at the constituency for certain wards were different from the ones submitted. Some members then raised formal objections after becoming aware of the discrepancies,” the source revealed.

These developments have heightened concerns about the integrity of the delegate selection process, prompting closer scrutiny from members who fear that these irregularities may be part of broader factional strategies. Moreover, the issue in Tonota is not isolated. A similar dispute reportedly arose in the Shashe West constituency. Fortunately, that particular issue was resolved internally before it escalated further.

Despite mounting questions and uneasiness, the party’s national chairperson, Dr. Patrick Molutsi, distanced himself from the administrative details of delegate management. When contacted for comment, Dr. Molutsi stated that matters relating to the submission of delegates fall under the purview of the Secretary General and his deputy.

“As far as I understand, the submission deadline for delegates has not changed. However, comrade Motshegwa is better placed to confirm this,” he said, effectively redirecting all enquiries to the administrative arm of the party.

However, the current turmoil over delegate submission suggests that internal factionalism remains a serious challenge. Observers argue that this ongoing battle between the two camps, Motshegwa/Ramaotwana and Mohwasa/Modise, represents more than just a contest for power; it is a clash of ideologies and visions for the party’s future.

Motshegwa, often seen as a progressive and outspoken leader, has gained popularity amongst younger members of the party, while Mohwasa, with his experience and longstanding party loyalty, commands respect among the old guard. Their rivalry symbolizes a generational and strategic divide that could define the party’s trajectory moving forward. Additionally, the decision to extend the deadline, if confirmed, could spark further controversy.

Meanwhile, the general membership of the BNF waits with bated breath, hoping that the elective congress will proceed smoothly and result in a leadership team capable of uniting the party and preparing it for future electoral success. However, unless the party leadership takes decisive steps to address the rising tensions and alleged irregularities in the lead-up to the congress, there is a risk that these divisions could spill over and destabilise the entire process.

Molutsi confirmed recently that he is trying to preach peace between the two teams, and they are hoping that the candidates may compromise for the sake of the party.

“The party President Duma Boko is concerned about the way things unfold between the two lobby teams. His view is that we have recently won power, and it is important for the party to unite. Currently, we are happy with the way the two teams are handling themselves as they are avoiding dirty campaigns,” Molutsi said recently in an interview.