UDC student wing grapples with infighting
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday February 25, 2026 06:07
UDC affiliates include the BNF, AP, and Botswana Peoples Party (BPP).
The disputes saw AP members announce that they are pulling out from Moono wa Baithuti over the weekend. Usually, elections for the University of Botswana Student Representative Council (SRC) are held in March or April.
The disagreements, however, are not insurmountable, says the BNF Youth League president Tumelo Legase. According to a source, the conflict centres on how candidates for leadership positions should be chosen. One faction advocates for holding primary elections, arguing that this ensures fairness and transparency. “Another faction resists, fearing that primaries may disadvantage smaller parties within the coalition. As a result, negotiations have stalled, leaving some members frustrated and concerned about the unity of Moono wa Baithuti ahead of the upcoming SRC elections,” the source said.
This was confirmed by another source, noting that if candidates were chosen by ballot, it would disadvantage other parties that do not have much support; therefore, the UDC model, of reserving seats for parties, should be followed.
“This UDC structure has been neglected. The problem has escalated beyond youth leagues, and now it has reached party levels. The problem is that the BPP is now having a structure unlike before. If parties go to primaries, there is a possibility that one party may win all seats, which some are trying to avoid. UDC could have long talked to Moono wa Baithuti on how they will operate, to avoid this confusion,” the source said. Despite the tensions, Legase emphasised that such challenges are a normal part of coalition politics. “I think it is like every coalition and every political party, for that matter, to go through such from time to time,” he said.
He added that internal processes to restore harmony are already underway. According to Legase, party structures are working behind the scenes to resolve disputes and refocus on the SRC elections.
“I have no doubt that we will resolve these matters,” he emphasised. When contacted for comment, AP Youth League secretary for information, Mphoentle Takwe, said, “I do not have the information you are looking for”.
Observers note that the SRC elections will be a test of the coalition’s ability to reconcile differences and present a united front. Whilst the disagreements have exposed cracks within Moono wa Baithuti, leadership remains confident that solutions are within reach.