Molepolole becomes AP’s new hunting ground
Pini Bothoko | Monday November 3, 2025 06:00
AP is becoming a refuge for reform-minded former BDP members seeking a new political home where integrity and progress take precedence over factionalism. After struggling for years to attract numbers, AP is gaining attraction and carving its own space under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, proving it can mobilise independently and contribute meaningfully to the coalition’s strength.
In a major political development, AP yesterday in Molepolole welcomed one of BDP’s prominent figures, including former Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA) President Jeffrey Sibisibi, who also once served as campaign manager for former President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Sibisibi was accompanied by former Lephaleng Ward councillor Gontlafetse Mokgosi, former Sebele Ward councillor Poloko Motlhobogwa, and former Mokgopeetsane Ward councillor Keamogetse Keikanne, all former members of the ruling party.
Although the quartet was formally received in a special event, AP Chairperson and Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware, revealed that the party has recently attracted about 300 new members in Molepolole alone, and their official welcoming ceremony will be held in March 2026.
“We have been on a mission to grow our party, and I am happy that we have successfully attracted over 300 new members here in Molepolole. Among them are elders who bring valuable wisdom, knowledge, and political experience. Their decision to join us is a clear sign that Batswana have faith in the Alliance for Progressives and the UDC,” Mokgware said. Mokgware said the growing membership was proof that AP is living up to its founding principles as a progressive party that prioritises the interests of the people. He urged the new members to familiarise themselves with the party’s policies, manifesto, and core values to ensure that they contribute meaningfully to its mission.
“We are a party that believes in putting the interests of Batswana and the country first. Our growth shows that the message of progress, unity, and accountability resonates with the people,” Mokgware said.
AP Secretary General and Minister of International Relations, Phenyo Butale, echoed Mokgware’s sentiments, thanking party members who have been working tirelessly to recruit new supporters.
“I want us to take over Molepolole come 2029. No organisation can grow if its members are not working hard to increase its numbers. To our new members, I want you to know that in AP, there is no probation period. You are part of us, take charge and help us move forward,” Butale said.
He described AP as a party built on peace, unity, and honesty, stressing that these principles differentiate it from other political organisations.
“We are not self-centred. We put the interests of the people before everything else. Familiarise yourselves with our manifesto and policies, and let us work together to serve Batswana with love, honesty, and respect,” he added.
For the new members, the move to join AP was not a hasty decision but one made after careful reflection. Sibisibi said his departure from the BDP came after enduring years of internal battles and political tension.
“I took my time because I wanted to find a peaceful home. I suffered a lot under my former party. What attracted me to the AP is its commitment to honesty and its zero tolerance for corruption. My former colleagues accused me of various offences, but I stood firm on discipline and integrity,” Sibisibi said.
He praised AP President and Botswana’s Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe, whom he described as a humble and visionary leader.
“I have admired Gaolathe for years. He is calm, collected, and principled, a leader I have always wanted to serve under,” Sibisibi added.
Former councillors Mokgosi and Motlhobogwa shared similar sentiments, saying their departure from the BDP was prompted by deep-seated irregularities during party primary elections and growing divisions within the party.
“Where we came from, things fell apart. We faced irregularities that started during the primary elections. People were putting personal interests and the love of power above the interests of the party. That is when we decided enough was enough,” Mokgosi said.
The two expressed optimism about their new political home, pledging to uphold AP’s values of transparency, accountability, and unity. The latest wave of defections comes at a crucial time as political parties begin mobilising towards the 2029 general elections. AP’s growing influence in Molepolole, which has two constituencies, being north and south, signals an emerging challenge to other parties, especially opposition parties.
Major General Mokgware said the party will continue to welcome new members from all corners of the country and emphasised that the AP’s door remains open to Batswana seeking an honest and people-centred political home.
“We are confident that with the calibre of people joining us, our party and the UDC will continue to grow stronger. We are here to serve Batswana and shape a better future for all,” he concluded.