BPF faces sterner test post Khama era
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday September 8, 2025 15:57
As internal divisions deepen, many have started to question whether the party can survive without the influence and leadership of its inaugural patron, Ian Khama, or whether it is time to seek affiliation with the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
The identity crisis facing the BPF has become impossible to ignore, and the growing discomfort was laid bare during the party’s national conference in Molepolole. Members demanded clarity from the leadership on whether the BPF is part of the ruling party machinery, a component of the UDC, or a truly independent opposition party. The heart of the debate lies in the BPF’s future direction, particularly in the wake of Khama’s political exit. Although he is no longer active in politics and now serves as the Kgosi of Bangwato, Khama’s influence over the party remains significant. Many within the BPF continue to read his actions, or lack thereof, as signals for where exactly the party should be heading. For some, the party’s survival is directly tied to Khama’s continued involvement, whether symbolic or strategic. They believe that without him, the party stands on shaky ground, especially with the coming of the 2029 General Election.
In fact, there are those who have begun to consider returning to the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), citing suspicions that Khama himself may be warming up to his former political home. Whether based on empty whispers, political body language, or strategic calculations, the perception is growing that the BPF’s founding patron might be drifting back towards the party he once abandoned. This has only intensified the internal confusion, leaving many wondering whether they too should retrace their steps to the BDP before it is too late. What’s clear, though, is that the BPF’s identity crisis is no longer just political; it has taken on a legal dimension as well. A recent courtroom statement by Segaetsho Garekwe offered a raw glimpse into the party's internal chaos. Speaking in court, Garekwe declared that the BPF is “up for grabs,” suggesting that the party is hanging in midair, directionless and vulnerable. His words reflect the growing sentiment amongst members who feel that without Khama’s guiding hand, the party has lost its anchor and could be consumed by factionalism. At the heart of this disarray is a fundamental disagreement about which path the BPF should follow. Internally, leaders are split into two main camps: one advocating for affiliation with the UDC, and the other either leaning toward the BDP or arguing for full independence. The divide is not just ideological; it’s strategic, emotional, and increasingly personal.
As the party prepares for its upcoming congress in November in Serowe, this internal battle is expected to reach a climax. That congress is shaping up to be a showdown between the party’s dominant factions, with each side preparing for a political fight that could determine the BPF’s survival. Already, tensions are running high. As matters stand, suspended members have accused the current national Executive Committee (NEC) of trying to avoid being challenged, suggesting that some leaders want to maintain control at all costs. This, in turn, has further alienated grassroots supporters and exposed a deep mistrust within the party structures. The infighting has not remained at the top. It has spread to lower-level structures, threatening the party’s cohesion from the ground up. Once a united front formed in the aftermath of Khama’s fallout with the BDP, the BPF is now fractured by mistrust, political manoeuvring, and leadership struggles.
Members who once marched together under the banner of reform are now pulling in different directions, unsure whether to defend the party’s independence, merge with a bigger coalition, or seek refuge in the comfort of their old political home. This confusion has led to one unavoidable question: what is the BPF without Ian Khama? For many, he was not just a founding figure, he was the glue holding the party together.
Now, with Khama's role diminished and his focus elsewhere, the BPF must learn to define itself beyond his legacy. That challenge is proving more difficult than expected, as members continue to interpret his silence and distance as either abandonment or a tactical retreat. Khama’s shadow, however, still looms large over every decision. Even those in leadership positions admit, sometimes reluctantly, that his signals matter.
While he may not be making public endorsements or policy suggestions, the perception that Khama could influence the party’s direction with a single move keeps members on edge. Whether this is a strength or a liability remains to be seen, but it’s clear that until the BPF formally cuts ties with its founder or reaffirms its loyalty to his vision, it will remain trapped in a state of political limbo. As things stand, the BPF must decide not just who will lead it but what it wants to be. The coming congress would not just shape leadership but it will shape the party’s ideological core.
Ultimately, the BPF’s future depends on whether it can resolve its identity crisis before it tears the party apart. What happens in November may determine whether the party lives, dies, or transforms. What’s certain, however, is that the clock is ticking, and the luxury of indecision is long gone.
However, BPF secretary -general Lawrence Ookeditse said during a press briefing after party national conference that: “The BPF is a friend of the UDC. That is why we are cooperating at Parliament and council level. The BNF members will give the party direction to affiliate with UDC or not at the national congress that will be held soon at Serowe.”