Indiscipline worries BNF chairperson
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday July 14, 2025 09:57
“This comes at a time when our members need it most. It is crucial, as it teaches them how to behave as a ruling party, how to respond, when, and where. Some members still act as if we are in opposition,” Molutsi said.
He added that although the BNF allows for internal debates, it does not condone attacks that happen on social media platforms. The party chairperson also said campaigns within the party teams are expected to be clean.
Molutsi stated that reviving study groups at the constituency level, with support from the ANC facilitators, would help anchor the party’s ideological direction and educate members on the responsibilities that come with governance.
While acknowledging that the current party central committee (CC) has experienced internal challenges, he expressed optimism that the leadership to be elected during the upcoming President’s holidays would bring renewed energy and purpose to the party.
Molutsi also highlighted the importance of loyalty and selfless commitment amongst party members as the party traverses the governance route.
He said the BNF needs people who genuinely believe in its mission and not those who join the organisation for personal gain. “There are those who love the party and keep it close to their hearts, and then there are others who are in it for money,” Molutsi said.
He fully supported the ANC’s recommendation that the incoming central committee be taken to Luthuli House for a leadership retreat.
In addition, the chairperson also aligned himself with the view of ANC Women’s League leader Bathabile Dlamini, who called for retreats not only for the CC but also for the Women’s League, all of which should involve participation of the party’s top leadership, including the president.
Another speaker, former BNF president Otsweletse Moupo, said, “The party must try by all means to reduce internal fights but encourage debates that are very constructive within. BNF is not like any other political party because it allows transparency, supports democracy, and accountability. All these debates must be managed since the party is ruling and must not be killed. Rather, members must be empowered and helped with tools to do their research so that they debate with knowledge when the party is being attacked.”
He said the revival of the ANC and BNF relationship is very important as it would help the party with strategies for retaining power.
The former party president also said study groups used the BNF culture of educating members on political education, which is very important for politicians, as every member has to know the ideology and values of their party.
Throughout the week, delegates engaged in sessions covering critical themes such as voter profiling, messaging strategies, crisis communication, mobilisation tactics, governance frameworks, constitutional principles, Pan-Africanism, and international relations.
The training also addressed the importance of identifying and serving the needs of specific voter groups, preparing for elections, and ensuring a smooth transition from campaigning to governing.
Participants explored how to maintain contact with the grassroots while in government and how to avoid the common pitfalls that afflict many ruling parties, such as the abuse of incumbency and the blurring of lines between party and State.
The programme concluded with a graduation ceremony and closing remarks from both ANC and BNF leadership.
The ANC delegation arrived in Botswana on June 30 and was hosted by the BNF, which provided accommodation, transport, and logistical support.
The workshop trained between 100 and 150 participants drawn from the BNF’s national, regional, and secretarial staff.