Fearfokol: Khan’s militant political identity
Ryder Gabathuse | Thursday January 15, 2026 12:44
He’s known for advocating radical reforms, particularly in tackling corruption, and has a strong grassroots connection, evident in his recent upset win as Botswana National Front (BNF) treasurer general.
Khan’s experience in various leadership roles, including publicity secretary and secretary general of the BNF Youth League, has prepared him for his current position.
“I genuinely cannot recall the exact day I joined the BNF. I often say I did not merely join the BNF. I emerged in it; I was born within the
organisation,” he tells Mmegi in an interview. His political consciousness deepened significantly in 1997 during the Borakalalo by-election.
At the time, he was in Standard 7, and the atmosphere was electrifying, he reminisces with a titter.
“Senior BNF leaders and Members of Parliament such as Paul Rantao and Maitshwarelo Dabutha frequented Borakalalo to campaign.The BNF was riding a strong wave, widely believed to be poised for victory in the 1999 General Election.”
Around the same period in Molepolole, party operative Lemogang Ntime’s brothers-in-law, Mohammed and Safraz Khan, who had joined
the BNF three years earlier, became activeand the party was increasingly resourceful on the ground.
The BNF subsequently won the Borakalalo by-election, with Ntime emerging victorious in a visibly hostile ward. Inspired by these developments, Khan began reading Dr Kenneth Koma’s Pamphlets (Numbers 1,2, and 3) after he listened to him speak in Borakalalo. This marked a turning point in his ideological grounding.The first major national BNF event he attended was the historic 2001 congress, which ushered in Otsweletse Moupo as party president. He reminisced that he attended as an observer while doing Form 4 at Kgari Sechele Senior Secondary School. It was at this congress, held in Kanye, that he met his now close comrade James Mathokgwane.
In both 2004 and 2009, he served as deputy campaign manager for Mohammed Khan in Molepolole North. After completing his studies at Kgari Sechele, he transitioned into full-time political activism. “I became actively involved in BNF structures in Molepolole North, serving in various capacities such as ward secretary at Borakalalo ward, constituency, organising secretary and secretary of the constituency electionscommittee, a sub-committee of the national elections board, chaired by the late Billy Makuku, with Ramaotwana Ramaotwana serving as the secretary.”
He was later assigned to oversee BNF primary elections in Gaborone South and Kanye. In 2010, Botswana’s opposition politics shifted significantly under Khan’s watch, influenced mainly by developments within the opposition Botswana Congress Party (BCP), following the party’s introduction of Dumelang Saleshandoas its president after the era of his father’s leadership, Gilson Saleshando. Another opposition outfit, an offshoot of the then-ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), emerged with youthful leaders such as the late Gomolemo Motswaledi and Botsalo Ntuane. The BNF also sought a youthful figure to compete nationally with his equals across the political divide. It was during this period that Dick Bayford (now a civil servant) contacted Khan to inform him that Duma Boko was available to contest for the BNFpresidency in 2010.
A meeting was arranged in Molepolole, attended by BNF operative Ernest Molome and Kwenantle Gaseitsiwe. The rest, as they say, is history. Khan’s exposure to BNF politics generally widened his scope of opposition politics (now he is part of the ruling party). During the fallout between members of the BNF central committee and then-president Moupo, the BNF Youth League firmly took Moupo’s side. At the 2010 Kanye congress, Khan was elected secretary-general of the BNF Youth League. He would then mobilise and marshal BNF youth structures nationwide to rally behind Boko.
“Even during the BNF leadership crisis of 2012, we remained resolute and stood firmly behind Boko.” He counts himself amongst the founding members of the Umbrella for Democratic Change(UDC) in 2011.
Politics has shown Khan its true colours as he has had his own struggles.
In 2014, he was blessed with the victory of the Borakalalo council seat, which he would later lose in the 2019 General Election.
“In 2009, I came under scrutiny from the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS), particularly the late Isaac Kgosi, who was unhappy with my public statements blaming the DIS for the killing of civilians and the death of John Kalafatis.” His (Khan’s) comparison of former president Ian Khama to the SouthAfrican former president Jacob Zuma during an opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) event in South Africa brought him under the DIS radar.
“I was later arrested on false allegations, accused of being in possession of ballot papers. I intended to sue, but attorney Mboki Chilisa and Boko had already prepared legal papers. However, my wife refused, stating God will judge the DIS head honchos for their abuse of power.”
As a youth leader, he advocated for youth involvement in politics and party decision-making. Khan’s efforts contributed to the BNF’s growth and visibility, particularly amongst young people. Khan cut his political teeth in the BNF in the early 1994 (although he is not sure when it all happened). This is the period when the political tide began to shift in Molepolole. He was part of the youthful faction known as Fearfokol, a group known for its vocal and confrontational style that rattled the party’s internal dynamics. Overtime, Khan softened into a robust parliamentarian
recognised for the sharp scrutiny of his government’s excesses and his refusal to shy away from uncomfortable questions ‘Fear Fokol’ represents a militant political identity Khan championed within Botswana’s political space.
It resonated strongly with many youths in the BNF. Importantly, it was never a faction, but rather a posture of courage, defiance,and ideological clarity. He had adopted the confrontational political style of his friend and president of the South African political outfit, the EFF, led by the controversial Julius Malema.
“Malema is a very close friend of mine and my brother, from whom I learnt a lot, including from his party.”
Khan is a prominent BNF legislator of the bigger UDC representing Molepolole North. He is known for his vocal advocacy on issues like corruption, governance, and public service appointments. He’s currently serving as the treasurer general of the BNF, a position he won in 2025, beating Letlhogonolo Barongwang, who had the backing of influential figures like Moeti Mohwasa and Dr Stephen Modise. Khan’s victory is seen as a grassroots triumph, reflecting his strong connection with the party’s base. He has urged the government to honour the party’s founding father, Dr Kenneth Koma. Hewas also part of the UDC coalition and has been vocal about Land Board reforms, amongst others. As for his weaknesses, Khan’s radical approach to governance and corruption might also create tension with other political stakeholders, like Minister Moeti Mohwasa, who advocates for a more cautious approach. He’s known for questioning authority and holding leaders accountable, making him stand out in Botswana’s Parliament. His victory as BNF treasurer-general reflects his strong connection with the party’s base.
Khan, BNF treasurer-general and Molepolole North MP, has a clear stance on the BNF and UDC. He’s advocating for radical reforms within
the UDC government, particularly in tackling corruption and promoting transparency. He believes the UDC should appoint its people in strategic positions to execute the party’s manifesto and wants immediate action against corruption allegations.
He’s also pushing for the dissolution of Land Boards, which he believes were used by the previous BDP regime to reward allies. His approach
is seen as more revolutionary, aiming to realign the public service with UDC values and governance The Molepolole-born MP’s vision for the BNF includes strengthening party finances, completing Kopano, House
(party headquarters) and establishing satellite offices across Botswana.
His strengths include his reputation as a fierce debater and relentless questioner of authority. He’s known for advocating radical reforms, particularly in tackling corruption, and has a strong grassroots connection, evident in his upset win as BNF treasurer-general.Khan has made significant contributions in the 13th Parliament, focusing on governance, corruption, and public service appointments.
He’s advocated for a more radical approach to tackle corruption, questioning the development manager model and pushing for swift action against corruption allegations. He has also emphasised the need for the UDC government to prioritise merit-based appointments and realign public service with party values.
He has proposed a motion to investigate the P65 million AFCON 2027, highlighting concerns over transparency and potential misuse of public funds. He has urged his government of the UDC to honour Koma by renaming a significant government institution after him. Khan has strongly advocated for improved access to potable water to adequately serve the growing population of Molepolole.
He has also been concerned about the road infrastructure development, including completion of the Molepolole–Metsimotlhabe dual carriageway,construction of the Molepolole bypass, upgrading of the Molepolole–Mahetlwe road, and construction and rehabilitation of internal roads within Molepolole to improve mobility and reduce congestion. He further has a wish for the establishment of an additional senior secondary school to accommodate the increasing number of learners and expedited allocation of residential and commercial plots to support settlement and business development.
Most importantly, Khan wishes his constituency could
strongly attract investors to establish factories and industries
in Molepolole, to create employment opportunities and stimulate local economic growth.
Speaking about his comrade, BNF operative James
Mathokgwane says Khan was born into the BNF and immersed
himself in its politics from a very young age. He adds that Khan’s political journey began through his uncle, Mohammed Khan, a respected figure in the movement. “It was during the campaign for (Mohammed) Khan and Nehemiah Modubule, outside the then-popular Moupo, that Arafat first demonstrated his commitment to the party.
Both candidates won their contests Modubule against
Kebadire Kalake and Mohammed against Abigail Mogalakwe marking the beginning of Arafat’s active role in shaping BNF politics,” reminisces Mathokgwane. From those early days, Arafat became a familiar presence in party campaigns and internal contests, instrumental in securing positions and building bridges across the country. His ability to connect with people meant he knew almost everyone in the party structures nationwide, and his influence was felt in both grassroots mobilisation and leadership transitions.
“Arafat’s loyalty to Otsweletse Moupo (former BNF president) was unwavering. Even during Moupo’s political turmoil, he stood firmly by his side, embodying the values of steadfastness and solidarity.”
Added Mathokgwane: ”Later, he played a decisive role in the transition of leadership by headhunting Duma Boko to succeed Moupo as BNF president.This act reflected not only his strategic foresight but also his deep commitment to the continuity and renewal of the party.”
Arafat’s resilience and courage, Mathokgwane tells Mmegi,“have earned him recognition as part of the fearfokol brigade those who defended the BNF against external forces during times of turmoil.” Beyond politics, Arafat embodies the philosophy of servant leadership.
“He serves his constituents wholeheartedly, often using Khan his own resources to meet their needs and advance their welfare. His leadership style is rooted in humility and sacrifice, placing the movement and the people above personal gain.” Although his efforts are not always fully appreciated, Arafat remains unwaveringly committed to the cause and the movement. His story is one of loyalty, resilience, and service a testament to the enduring spirit of the BNF and the values it represents.
Although he is an accomplished politician, Khan grew up wanting to serve in the army, the Botswana Defence Force (BDF). But when the people he grew up with went to join the BDF, he chose a different path.
“I decided not to enlist and instead ventured into politics and business on a fulltime basis.”