BPF struggles with legal debt
TSAONE BASIMANEBOTLHE | Monday December 8, 2025 06:00
The party’s leadership says the growing debt has become a major concern, especially as the organisation is still a relatively young party and struggling to build stability.
In an interview with Mmegi on Tuesday this week, BPF president Lawrence Ookeditse confirmed that the debt remains a pressing challenge for the national executive committee (NEC). He revealed that the financial strain stems from numerous legal battles brought against the party by dissatisfied members over the past few years. According to him, the costs of these cases, including attorney fees and court expenses, have now reached unsustainable levels. “What hurts us as the NEC is that the party is still growing, and it is very difficult to raise such large sums of money,” Ookeditse said.
He explained that every pula spent on legal disputes could have been channeled into building party structures, strengthening grassroots mobilisation, and preparing for other party activities.
Reflecting on the party’s turbulent past, Ookeditse recalled that even former BPF president Mephato Reatile had lamented the trend of internal court cases. “Like our former president once said, our party has made history in terms of battles that were brought before the court. This is not something we are proud of, and it has to stop,” he said firmly.
Furthermore, he said that internal conflicts have not only drained the party financially but have also tarnished its image in the public eye. He said that constant court appearances give an impression of instability, making it difficult for the BPF to attract new members, sponsors, and voters who are looking for an organised and united alternative in Botswana’s political landscape. According to Ookeditse, the NEC is now considering stricter measures to curb the recurring pattern of litigation from within. He revealed that under the new committee, the leadership plans to draft tough regulations that will hold members accountable for taking the party to court unnecessarily. “If some members continue with such acts, then they will have to pay the court bills themselves and they will be expelled from the party,” he warned.
He said that while every member has the right to express dissent, disputes should be resolved through internal mechanisms rather than through the courts. The NEC, he added, is working to strengthen internal dispute resolution channels to ensure that disagreements are managed constructively before they escalate. Moreover, Ookeditse said the leadership believes that discipline and unity are essential if the BPF is to mature into a strong political organisation.
He explained that political parties thrive on order, and once internal discipline breaks down, credibility suffers. “We cannot continue to waste resources fighting each other. Our focus should be on strengthening our structures, engaging communities, and building a party that Batswana can trust,” he said. To address the immediate financial crisis, Ookeditse said the party is exploring various ways to settle its debts. “We will be forced to hold fundraising events to help reduce the legal debts,” he stated. In addition, he noted that the party’s financial challenges serve as a wake-up call for both the leadership and the membership to reflect on their priorities.
“We must learn from this experience. The money we are spending on court cases could have funded the party activities,” he explained.
Ookeditse also cautioned members against allowing political differences to divide the party further. Furthermore, he emphasised that the NEC will take proactive steps to restore unity and discipline. In addition, he said the BPF leadership remains committed to transparency and accountability as it navigates its financial challenges.
He urged members to support the NEC in restoring order and protecting the party’s reputation. “We have learned the hard way. The lesson is clear: internal conflict is expensive, financially and politically. It’s time we move forward together,” he said.