BNF urged to prioritise cadre deployment
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday March 11, 2026 11:30
He made the remarks on Saturday during the BNF leadership forum held at Adansonia Hotel in Francistown.
Whilst delivering a brief report on the status of the party in his region, Matshube emphasised that the welfare of grassroots members, commonly referred to as foot soldiers, should be treated as a matter of urgency. According to him, many loyal party members continue to face economic hardship despite their long-standing commitment to the party.
“Welfare of our foot soldiers must be prioritised, comrades. Tlala e dingalo. Our members are vulnerable and, at times, end up pushing personal agendas simply to find something to feed their families,” said Matshube. Furthermore, he noted that several educated members of the party were sidelined during the previous regime because of their political alignment with the BNF. As a result, he argued that many party supporters were denied employment opportunities for decades.
“For 58 years, our members have suffered. Some of them were not employed because they openly aligned themselves with the party,” he added. Matshube also reminded the leadership that the BNF has historically been built on principles of unity, care, and solidarity amongst members. Therefore, he cautioned that the values that sustained the party for many years should not be forgotten now that political circumstances have changed.
“Our party believes in caring and loving one another. These are the principles that built and sustained the BNF for years. Our members are pleading that these values should not be abandoned,” he said.
In addition, Matshube raised concerns about the centralisation of party operations in Gaborone. He argued that having most administrative processes conducted in the capital city places a financial burden on ordinary members who must travel long distances to access basic services. Consequently, he called for the decentralisation of the party system to make it more accessible and efficient.
“Decentralisation in our party could also help create jobs within the party structures. One cannot travel all the way to Gaborone just to submit forms or obtain a signature,” he explained.
Responding to the concerns raised, BNF president Duma Boko acknowledged the frustrations of party members but appealed for patience. He explained that the country’s economic situation remains challenging, noting that the diamond market has been struggling and that the new administration inherited significant debts.
“Our members will be employed, and we are working hard to create jobs. I understand your frustrations, comrades, but I also want you to understand the situation we find our country in,” Boko said.
He called on party members to remain united and committed as the leadership works towards rebuilding the economy and creating opportunities. “I want us to build this country together,” he added.