BNF to sieve returnees
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday July 28, 2025 10:30
In a significant move aimed at unity and reconciliation, the party agreed to accept such individuals back into its fold, albeit under strict conditions. The returnees will not be allowed to contest any internal party elections or vie for any official positions for five years. According to leaked resolutions from the congress, all returning members must go through proper party structures before their re-admission is finalised. This process applies to everyone, whether they seek to be life card-carrying members or not. The intent, according to the resolution, is to determine the sincerity of these individuals in wanting to rejoin the BNF. “This will help determine if these members genuinely want to be part of the party or not. Again, they should not hold any party positions,” the resolution states. This development follows a proposal made by party president Duma Boko, who brought the issue before the congress, urging them to consider forgiveness for those who had left the party in the past. Boko emphasised that although these individuals had once turned their backs on the BNF, he had personally chosen to forgive them after reflecting deeply on the matter. However, he left the final decision to the congress, calling on members to debate and reach a firm resolution.
While the decision concerning returnees has been finalised, the status of members who were suspended by the congress remains uncertain. One of the most contentious issues involved the case of Gabriel Kanjabanga, a long-standing party member whose potential return was raised by the BNF Veterans Association during the congress.
The Veterans Association requested that the matter of Kanjabanga not be debated by Congress. Instead, they suggested that it first be considered by the party’s central committee. They emphasised that discussions regarding his return should not proceed until the committee had reviewed and deliberated on the issue in depth. In response, past immediate secretary-general, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, insisted that the matter be returned to the Veterans Association for further handling.
Despite the back-and-forth, the veterans assured Congress that they are already working closely with Kanjabanga. They reported that he has been actively involved in assisting the party to revive critical structures. including efforts in political education and organisational mobilisation. Their remarks hinted at a potential rehabilitation process already underway, while still awaiting the official position of the Central Committee.
These resolutions seem to be a clear indication of a party attempting to balance discipline and forgiveness, structure and inclusivity. On one hand, the BNF leadership, especially Boko, appears ready to move past previous betrayals in the spirit of unity and electoral strategy. On the other hand, there is a clear effort to uphold internal accountability and ensure that those returning are genuinely committed to the party’s values and long-term goals. The new resolution also sends a message to those within and outside the party that while reconciliation is welcome, it cannot be rushed or taken lightly. There are rules and time frames to be respected, especially for those who once turned their backs on the movement. Furthermore, the hesitance to immediately address suspended members like Kanjabanga underlines the complexity of internal party dynamics. While forgiveness may be on the table, reinstatement, especially for those involved in disciplinary issues, must undergo a more cautious and structured review.In the end, the BNF congress signaled both a willingness to forgive and a determination to protect the party’s integrity.
As part of the resolutions, members urged the party president to take time to engage with party structures on key national issues, particularly the growing challenge of unemployment, amongst others. They also expressed concern over the lack of a clear relationship between the government and the ruling party, which they believe hinders the ability to defend Boko's administration against criticism. Members said they often feel like mere spectators, despite their party being the one in power. Earlier, when party president Boko was opening the Congress, he had cautioned them to desist from attacking the party publicly and reminded them that they are in power. Boko expressed a concern over what he called indiscipline within the party, which he says is growing. He said that while the party constitution allows free debates but they must be done internally, not on social media and other platforms.