Molome pulls BNF power strings
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday July 28, 2025 10:33
A figure both revered and resented, Molome has carved out a reputation as the party’s behind-the-scenes operator, one who doesn’t just support candidates but positions them to win. This role is not new. Back in 2022, during the BNF elective congress at Ba Isago University, Molome orchestrated one of the most talked-about upsets in recent party history.
At the time, he threw his considerable weight behind the recent past Secretary General Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, ensuring Moeti Mohwasa, a long-time party loyalist, was dealt a strategic blow. Their fallout, insiders claim, stemmed from clashing views on the BNF’s trajectory. Molome, always an advocate for structural discipline and ideological focus, found himself at odds with Mohwasa’s style of leadership. What happened between Mohwasa and Motshegwa is not yet clearly known, or what led to led to the fallout between the former friends.
The BNF constitution allows for temporary platforms, such as WhatsApp groups and internal teams, to organise and campaign in the period leading to an internal election. Molome capitalised on this space, collaborating closely with trusted ally Arafat Khan. This time around, Khan was in Motshegwa’s team, and only two candidates won from their team. The other winner from the losing lobby is Seleka Mompati.
The win by Khan, however, did not come as a shock to BNF members, as the rank and file tend to trust him as he distinguished himself as a loyalist, always ready to fight for the party. Just like Molome, Khan was the 'Kingmaker' of the past, strategically ensuring that those he supported took control of leadership structures, especially and youth and women's leagues.
Molome's influence was also felt during the 2022 elective congress. He mobilised, strategised, and ensured his candidates won. At that time, Motshegwa and Molome were tightly aligned, their partnership strengthened by a shared belief in party renewal.
But politics is never fixed. By 2024, Molome had shifted camps, doing a complete about-face by backing the very man he had previously worked against, Mohwasa.
For some, the switch raised eyebrows. For others, it was vintage Molome: pragmatic, not sentimental. Though not averse to compromise, Molome had initially envisioned a slate where Stephen Modise would serve as secretary general, Motshegwa as his deputy, and Mohwasa stepping in as Vice President. When that proposal fell flat, Molome recalibrated and placed his full support behind Mohwasa, this time ensuring not just a win, but a team built around loyalty, discipline, and calculated messaging. What many fail to see is where Molome draws his real power: the delegates.
It is in the silent, meticulous work of canvassing support from constituency delegates that he thrives. While others focus on party conferences and headlines, Molome works the ground, securing control where it matters most, the vote.
President Duma Boko has also always assured of Molome's support. When Boko faced challenges within the movement and several allies distanced themselves, he remained steadfast in his support of the president.
This year, Molome doubled down. He did not just focus on the Central Committee elections, but the entire party machinery. The Women’s League, now led by his wife, Monica Molome, is firmly in his camp. His team also swept the BNF Youth League positions. Some may call it the consolidation of power; others see it as a strategic vision. A businessman by profession, Molome has long played a key role in party fundraising, an often overlooked but vital function. Those close to him say he utilises his business network to support BNF activities, particularly during tough financial stretches. It’s one of the reasons his word carries weight beyond mere politics.
But his methods are not universally praised. Critics describe him as too powerful for someone without an official leadership role.
They argue that his style blurs the line between influence and manipulation. Still, even those critics admit that when Molome speaks or chooses not to, his silence or endorsement can shift tides. To his supporters, Molome is the glue in a party often divided by personality clashes and ideological disagreements. He is, they say, the one who keeps the machine running when others retreat into infighting. Within the BNF, many do not doubt his love for his party.
Post the Palapye congress, all the losers released media statements accepting the results and declaring support for the new leadership.
New BNF CC includes:
President: Duma Boko Vice President: Moeti Mohwasa Chairperson: Moses Bantsi Secretary General: Stephen Modise Deputy Secretary General: Shawn Ntlhaile Treasurer: Arafat Khan Organising Secretary: Motsamai Johannes Information & Secretary: Joseph Carter Political Education: Seleka Mompati Health and Social Welfare: Bashe Happy International Affairs: Lesole Bakang Labour Affairs: Lasten Modo Economic Affairs: Dr Moss Mokgolele