BNF opens doors to returnees
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday December 15, 2025 10:06
The congress, held in the last July holidays, had resolved that members who had defected to other political parties over the years should be allowed to return, provided they comply with the procedures set out in the party’s constitution.
On Tuesday, when addressing members of the media at President Hotel, BNF vice president, Moeti Mohwasa emphasised that the leadership is committed to upholding the resolutions. He said the return of former activists marks an important moment of rebuilding for the party. But he stressed that due process remains central to the reintegration process. Amongst others, the BNF welcomed Rhoda Sekgororoane, Masego Segokgo, Kemmonye Makatane and Onkgopotse Timela.
According to Mohwasa, the congress directive was clear, while the party should open its arms to those seeking to rejoin, it must do so in an orderly manner and ensure that the integrity of its internal systems is preserved. “We hope all the comrades who are returning have indeed gone through the structures as laid out by the party,” he said, noting that the constitution provides a clear pathway for re-admission. In a tone both conciliatory and cautionary, Mohwasa urged members to resist the temptation to judge or stigmatise returnees.
“Let us welcome these members without saying out the past as if we are clean,” he said. “This movement has to grow. These members once sacrificed themselves for the party when it was tough. We know their track record within the party,” he said. He said the Palapye congress issues have passed, and there must be unity and also reminding them of long-standing members that the party’s history is built on collective sacrifice, not individual purity.
Mohwasa further argued that the BNF must broaden its footprint if it intends to remain a competitive political force. He noted that the movement has long prided itself on its ideological depth, yet it continues to face challenges in establishing strong organisational structures in certain parts of the country. Strengthening presence in underserved areas, he said, is not only necessary for the BNF’s survival but also essential for expanding the influence of the broader opposition coalition.
Transitioning to the state of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), of which the BNF is a founding affiliate, Mohwasa said the coalition’s overall strength depends on the organisational vitality of each of its member parties.
“For the UDC to grow, it needs stronger affiliates,” he said. “A coalition is only as strong as its components.” Mohwasa also cautioned against tendencies within party structures where individuals may attempt to block or frustrate those who express interest in joining.
He reminded members that political movements thrive on inclusivity, not gatekeeping. “No one should try to block anyone who wants to join the party,” he said, urging members to adopt a culture of openness as the BNF moves toward future electoral contests.
He further explained that the UDC’s adoption of a social democratic programme aligns squarely with the BNF’s ideological orientation, leaving little room for internal contradictions or excuses. The ideological harmony between the two, he said, means that supporting the UDC is consistent with supporting the BNF’s long-standing political philosophy.
Illustrating a broader vision for the party, Mohwasa said that the BNF is not merely a political organisation but a movement rooted in historical struggle and collective aspiration. This, he said, is why unity, discipline, and ideological clarity remain paramount as the party enters a new phase of organisational rebuilding.
Furthermore, he said the BNF believes in eroding poverty for Batswana, which UDC does and that is why government is planning on strategies on reducing poverty in the country.
As the BNF continues implementing its congress resolutions, the re-admission of former members marks a symbolic step toward renewal, one that leaders hope will strengthen both the party and the wider opposition alliance ahead of the next political cycle.