BNF cracks the whip

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday March 16, 2026 06:00

Party leaders and members agreed that Members of Parliament (MPs) and councillors who fail to actively participate in party activities could face disciplinary action or even be relieved of their positions.

The meeting, according to insiders, served as a crucial platform for introspection within the BNF. More importantly, it allowed party leaders to assess the performance and accountability of those occupying public office under the party banner. The forum brought together leaders from different regions, constituencies and structures to evaluate the party’s standing in government and its internal organisational strength. An insider explained that such gatherings are designed to ensure that leaders remain accountable to the party structures that helped them rise to power.

“This is a forum where leaders account for their work,” the insider explained. “Regional leaders, constituency representatives, MPs, councillors and even ministers are expected to report on what they have been doing. The party also divides members into commissions during the forum so that they can deliberate on key issues and make recommendations.”

However, concerns quickly emerged during the discussions. Several MPs and councillors reportedly failed to attend the forum and did not submit apologies for their absence. This development angered some members, who argued that such behaviour undermines the party’s internal accountability culture. According to the insider, participants at the forum felt strongly that elected leaders must always remember the platform that elevated them into office.

“Some MPs were not present, and no apologies were given. The same applied to a number of councillors,” the source said. “Members felt this was unacceptable because these individuals are in those positions because of the party. Therefore, they must prioritise party processes and activities.”

As a result, the forum resolved that disciplinary measures should be considered against those who consistently fail to participate in party programmes without valid reasons. Members argued that holding leadership positions should come with responsibilities that extend beyond public office. At the same time, participants emphasised the importance of maintaining internal democracy within the party. While they supported stronger disciplinary mechanisms, they cautioned that such structures must not be abused to silence dissenting voices.

Members recommended that disciplinary committees be strengthened at the constituency level to deal with internal matters effectively. Nevertheless, they warned that these committees should not become tools to suppress debate or punish members who express legitimate concerns about party operations.

“Disciplinary structures are necessary,” the insider noted. “However, members insisted that they must not be used to kill internal democracy. The BNF has always prided itself on allowing members to speak freely about issues affecting the party.” Beyond internal matters, the forum also turned its attention to the broader coalition in which the BNF operates. Members reportedly called for a leadership forum within the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), the opposition coalition that includes the BNF and other affiliates.

According to those present, BNF members believe that a UDC-wide leadership forum would create an opportunity for all Cabinet ministers from the coalition to collectively account. They argued that such a platform would allow leaders to openly discuss challenges affecting the coalition and its affiliates.

“Members felt that the BNF alone cannot demand accountability from ministers if other UDC affiliates are not doing the same,” the insider said. “They believe a UDC leadership forum would help address many of the problems currently affecting the coalition. ”In addition, some members expressed frustration over what they perceive as weak communication within the UDC structure. They argued that the coalition leadership has failed to formally communicate key decisions to affiliates and grassroots members.

According to insiders, participants criticised the coalition for not providing adequate training to its members and for failing to establish proper accountability platforms for direct members of the UDC. As it stands, many members reportedly feel excluded from decision-making processes. Moreover, the forum heard that direct members of the UDC lack structured platforms through which they can raise concerns or receive feedback from leadership. This, members argued, has created a disconnect between the coalition and its grassroots base.

An insider said the participants also noted a growing communication gap between the UDC leadership and its affiliate parties. “For example, some members said they expected the coalition to organise policy forums where affiliates could collectively debate and shape policies. However, such engagements have reportedly been lacking,” an insider revealed. Meanwhile, discussions at the forum also touched on remarks delivered by UDC president Duma Boko. Members reportedly used the opportunity to reflect on issues raised in his speech, particularly the sensitive matter of cadre deployment. According to insiders, many participants insisted that cadre deployment should be prioritised to ensure that party loyalists benefit from opportunities when the coalition is in power. Some members argued that it is difficult to talk about economic hardships among party members while leadership appears to appoint individuals who have never contributed to the party’s struggle.

“Members raised concerns that some positions are being given to people who did not play any role in building the party, while loyal comrades remain unemployed,” the insider said. Furthermore, members reportedly urged the party president to create more opportunities for engagement with grassroots members. They suggested that instead of delivering speeches and leaving immediately, leadership should allow time to listen to members’ concerns.

According to insiders, many participants believe that their views are not always reaching the top leadership or that they may not be properly communicated. When contacted for a comment, BNF spokesperson Carter Joseph acknowledged that a number of issues were indeed discussed during the forum. However, he declined to comment in detail on some of the matters, explaining that they remain internal and will still have to be presented before the party’s conference for final decisions. “Yes, members want a UDC leadership forum. They also want councillors, MPs and ministers to attend party activities or face action,” Joseph said. “That’s all I can say.”