BPF moves to rebuild unity-Lucas
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday March 20, 2026 12:19
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday this week, interim leadership spokesperson Modiri Lucas said the current interim committee, led by Gaolatlhe Galebotswe, has already begun laying the groundwork to bring members together and restore confidence within the party.
The BPF has not enjoyed internal peace since its formation, as its leaders have been fighting for control of the party. The internal fights have been at the party leadership, especially at the national executive committee (NEC).
“This means that the current interim committee, under the leadership of Galebotswe, will be working towards uniting the party,” Lucas said. “More importantly, we want to create an environment that makes it possible for all members, including those interested in joining the BPF, to feel encouraged to contribute towards growing the party they love.”
Furthermore, Lucas revealed that the committee has scheduled its first post-judgment engagement with members, which will serve as a critical platform to communicate developments and gather input from the grassroots. “We are going to hold our first meeting after the historic judgment in Mahalapye over the weekend, on March 21st,” he said. “The purpose of this meeting is to give feedback about the ruling to our members. It is also an important opportunity for us to listen, as we expect to receive opinions and suggestions on what will benefit members going forward, guided by the party’s constitutional framework,” he said.
In addition, Lucas emphasised that consultation would remain central to the interim committee’s approach, noting that rebuilding trust within the party requires inclusivity and transparency. He added that the leadership is committed to ensuring that all decisions are informed by the views of the general membership.
“After reflecting on a number of issues affecting the party, the interim committee will begin working towards convening an Extraordinary Congress,” Lucas said. “This congress will provide an opportunity for the general membership to democratically elect substantive leadership.” However, he cautioned that such a process would require careful preparation, particularly the restoration and strengthening of party structures across all levels.
“This can only happen if all party structures are in place and fully functional,” he explained. “As BPF, we firmly believe that structures are what oil and glue the party machinery together. Without them, it becomes difficult to operate effectively.” Consequently, Lucas said the interim committee will prioritise the reactivation and alignment of party structures to ensure that they are capable of supporting internal democratic processes.
“Hence, we will have to move swiftly in addressing these structural issues,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that when we eventually hold the Extraordinary Congress, it is credible, inclusive, and reflective of the will of the membership.” Meanwhile, political observers note that the success of the interim committee’s efforts will largely depend on its ability to manage internal divisions and foster unity among members who may have been affected by recent disputes. The planned engagement in Mahalapye is therefore expected to set the tone for the party’s next phase.
For now, Lucas maintains that the focus remains firmly on rebuilding the party from the ground up while adhering to its constitutional principles.
“We are guided by the party constitution in everything that we do,” he said. “At the end of the day, our responsibility is to ensure that the BPF emerges stronger, more united, and better positioned for the future.”