BDP bows, Khama holds the key
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday September 1, 2025 06:00
Over the past weekend, this cultural cornerstone was thrust into the spotlight when the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) made a rare and symbolic move in its history. The ruling party journeyed to Serowe to formally ask for forgiveness from the Bangwato tribe and the influential Khama family. This gesture, loaded with political and cultural weight, did not go unnoticed. For many observers, this act of contrition by the BDP signals more than just political theatre; it may very well be the beginning of a calculated and long-term strategy to reclaim lost ground.
While the political dividends may not be immediate, there is little doubt that the seeds planted in Serowe this past weekend could bear fruit in the years leading up to the 2029 general elections. Humility, especially when performed in public and directed toward a people as proud and historically significant as those of Serowe, is not easily dismissed.
It appeals to the emotional and moral fabric of Batswana. Whether intentional or not, the BDP has rekindled conversations that could tilt political loyalties in its favour. However, this move also sends ripples through Botswana’s political landscape, particularly for the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), which has enjoyed strong support in the Serowe region. The BPF, after all, was born out of discontent with the BDP’s leadership, largely catalyzed by the fallout between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor, Ian Khama.
The fracture shifted Serowe, once a loyal BDP stronghold, firmly into the BPF’s grasp. The tensions between the two leaders created not only a political rift but a cultural one, as Khama is not only a former president but also the chief of the Gammangwato people. Yet, times are changing. Although Khama is no longer active in day-to-day politics, his influence in the Central District remains undeniable. His people still look to him for cues, and his silence or endorsement can swing entire constituencies. That is, whatever position he ultimately takes regarding the BDP’s apology will not only matter; it could redefine the political terrain ahead of 2029. If he signals even a tentative acceptance of the BDP’s olive branch, the BPF’s foundation could begin to crack, particularly if his tribe interprets his response as a green light to reconsider their loyalties. The implications also extend to the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which benefited indirectly from Khama’s support in previous elections. The alliance made inroads in regions previously considered unreachable, largely due to Khama’s backing. Should the former president recalibrate his stance and inch closer to neutrality or worse, openness toward the BDP, the UDC may find its base thinning in key constituencies. What stood out during the weekend’s event, however, was Khama’s own response to attempts at manipulation. He revealed that several individuals had tried to dissuade him from attending the BDP’s meeting in Serowe.
His reply, however, was rooted in his dual identity as both a traditional leader and a national figure. “Some came to me and asked me not to attend this meeting,” he said. “I said no. I am a chief and I must listen to all people and make my decision. Tell all politicians to leave me alone. I am a chief, not a politician. Ga ke itse gore ba batlang.” Khama further criticised those who dismissed the BDP’s actions as mere political posturing, suggesting that such criticisms stem from fear of competition. His pointed remarks cast doubt on the intentions of certain politicians and reopened the debate about sincerity versus strategy in Botswana’s political arena. More notably, Khama’s decision to allow the BDP to bring a peace offering of 17 cows and groceries for key community events such as Independence Day and Christmas was symbolically significant. In the context of Botswana’s political culture, such gestures transcend material value; they restore relational bridges. This act of generosity on Khama’s part may mark the beginning of a new political openness in Serowe, one that allows for broader dialogue and reduced hostility between factions. Yet not everyone is convinced.
Baratiwa Mathoothe, the Member of Parliament for Serowe North constituency under the BPF, was blunt in his critique. He had labeled the BDP’s apology as nothing more than a political campaign tactic. “The BDP was not going to ask for forgiveness if they were still in power,” he said. Nonetheless, whether viewed as genuine or opportunistic, the BDP’s gesture has undeniably reshaped the conversation in Serowe. The party, which has struggled for years to gain meaningful traction in the region, now sees a possible path forward. But it is not just Serowe that will be impacted. The broader Central District, historically vital to any party’s national success, could also shift in response to changing sentiments in its symbolic heart.