BPF leadership engages members nationwide
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday March 16, 2026 06:00
The initiative, which involves a series of indoor meetings, is aimed at strengthening party structures, rebuilding confidence amongst members, and discussing the direction the party intends to take in the near future.
Over the weekend, the BPF leadership, led by party president Lawrence Ookeditse, visited the constituency of Tonota, where they met with members behind closed doors. The meeting formed part of a broader nationwide programme designed to engage party supporters at the grassroots level while addressing concerns raised in recent months. Confirming the development in an interview, BPF spokesperson Ogaufi Nthobelang said the national executive committee had resolved to meet members directly to provide clarity on various issues affecting the party.
“It is true that our National Executive Committee is holding indoor meetings with party members,” Nthobelang said. “The purpose is to update members about the state of the party, revive our structures, rebrand the party and share with them what is currently happening within the organisation.”
According to Nthobelang, the meetings come at a critical time when the party has been grappling with internal challenges that have affected morale amongst its supporters. In recent months, the BPF has experienced internal disagreements and leadership disputes that have created uncertainty within its ranks.
Consequently, some members have gradually distanced themselves from party activities. Nthobelang acknowledged that the ongoing tussles had contributed to declining participation in certain structures. “The internal disputes that have been happening within the party have unfortunately caused some members to lose interest,” he explained. “However, as leadership, we believe that the best way to address such concerns is to engage directly with our members,” he added.
He emphasised that the indoor meetings are meant to create an open platform where members can express their views, raise concerns and seek clarification from the leadership. In turn, the leadership hopes that such engagements will help rebuild trust and encourage members to become active again. Furthermore, Nthobelang noted that many members still have unanswered questions regarding the direction of the party. Therefore, he said the leadership felt it was necessary to create spaces where those questions could be addressed without waiting for the next party congress.
“Some of the issues that members want clarity on do not necessarily require a congress to resolve,” he said. “Through these meetings, we can interact with them, listen to their concerns and provide the explanations they are seeking.” In addition, the meetings are expected to play a key role in reviving party structures that may have weakened over time. According to Nthobelang, the leadership wants to ensure that constituency and branch structures remain functional and actively involved in the party’s programmes.
At the same time, he said the leadership is also using the gatherings to share updates on ongoing legal matters involving the party.
Over the past year, the BPF has been involved in several court cases related to internal disputes and leadership issues. These developments, Nthobelang said, have raised numerous questions among members who are eager to understand the progress and implications of those cases. “It is equally important for members to receive updates on the ongoing court cases so that they remain informed,” he said. Meanwhile, the constituency tour is expected to continue in other parts of the country as the party leadership seeks to reenergise its support base. By engaging directly with members at the grassroots level, the BPF hopes to restore unity, strengthen internal structures and reposition the party for future political activities. Ultimately, party leaders believe that open communication with members will play a vital role in rebuilding confidence and ensuring that the organisation moves forward with a shared understanding of its goals and challenges.