Molapise signals exit, BPP reboots
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe - Zandile Mbuya | Wednesday July 16, 2025 13:55
Although he has not yet set a date, he made it clear that his retirement is imminent.
The BPP leader made the hint Saturday during a press conference held at Travel Lodge, where he welcomed new members into the party.
“I have contributed a lot to Botswana’s political development,” said Molapise when addressing the media.
“I’m not leaving just yet, but I will officially declare my retirement soon so that those interested in the BPP presidency can begin to prepare.”
He stressed that the growth of the party beyond its current regional base is more important than his personal position.
“This party should not remain in one corner of the country. It must spread to all corners and reach every Motswana,” he added.
Meanwhile, the BPP welcomed several new members to its ranks including Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association (BEMA) CEO, Mantlha Sankoloba.
The arrival of Sankoloba was described by Molapise as a big win for the party.
Molapise announced that she will be tasked with building and strengthening BPP structures in the southern parts of the country, where the party historically had minimal influence.
“We believe she has the leadership and experience needed to establish our presence in the southern region,” Molapise told the media.
“The time has come for the BPP to expand into areas that have long been dominated by other parties.”
The BPP president added that the party is targeting constituencies currently controlled by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the Botswana Congress Party (BCP).
He explained that his party is on a mission to grow and is actively recruiting new members, particularly young people in tertiary institutions.
“We are starting our recruitment drive in full force. That’s why we are even welcoming the youth from universities and colleges today.
“We want a youthful and energised party that speaks to the next generation,” he said.
As part of their expansion strategy, the BPP is also planning to open new offices.
Molapise revealed that the party’s national headquarters will be established in Gaborone in the coming weeks, whilst a smaller office will be opened in Francistown.
According to him, these developments are part of a larger plan to prepare the party for the 2029 General Election.
“The election may seem far, but in politics five years is tomorrow. We are building the foundation now,” he said.
The BPP will also hold an elective congress in November, where members will choose their new leadership, the party president announced.
This, he added, is part of ensuring that the party remains democratic and transparent.
Despite the excitement, Molapise took a swipe at some members of the party, especially those from the southern region, accusing them of failing to recruit and grow the organisation.
He expressed frustration over the lack of feedback or effort from certain individuals.
“This party must grow. I want numbers. I want activity. I want visibility,” he said.
“It is every member’s duty to ensure the BPP is felt across the country. The UDC also needs us to be strong. We must defend it, especially when our president, Duma Boko, comes under attack.”
He reminded members that the UDC was formed collectively by BPP, Botswana National Front, and Botswana Movement for Democracy and that it is their responsibility to keep it alive and strong.
BPP is an affiliate of the UDC and it has five Members of Parliament.