BNF eyes rental income boost
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday March 23, 2026 06:00
Recently, the party's President, Duma Boko, told members at the party leadership forum that campaigns for 2029 have started.
Meanwhile, the party's treasurer, Arafat Khan, revealed that it is embarking on a commercial project aimed at generating rental income while unlocking value from its undeveloped land holdings.
In an interview with Mmegi, Khan said the party has begun building a shopping complex at its plot at Marothodi, in the Ginger location, a move he described as both strategic and necessary.
The development, he explained, is part of a broader plan to ensure the party becomes more financially self-sufficient ahead of future electoral contests.
“Importantly, we have plots in different parts of the country that remain undeveloped,” Khan said. “Therefore, this initiative is meant to ensure that we begin to fully utilise these assets. As for Kopano House, the project is scheduled to start in February next year,” he revealed.
He said the party could not just rely on Councillors' and Members of Parliament's subscriptions, which is the case currently.
As matters stand, the party’s infrastructure drive extends beyond the Ginger location.
Furthermore, he said the BNF currently owns several plots across the country, including in Maun, Mahalapye, Ramotswa, Mochudi and Pitsane.
These properties, according to Khan, are all earmarked for phased development under a long-term investment strategy designed to stabilise and diversify the party’s revenue streams.
Additionally, he said the Kopano House project has emerged as a central pillar of this broader vision.
He said the estimated cost is around P6 million, and the development is expected to significantly enhance the party’s operational capacity while providing a reliable source of income.
“Construction is projected to commence in February next year, with completion targeted for October 2027,” he said.
In addition, Khan emphasised that the party is not solely reliant on external funding, highlighting its growing ability to mobilise resources internally.
He pointed to the successful purchase of the party’s office property, which was financed through proceeds raised during its 60th Anniversary Dinner.
This, he noted, demonstrated both organisational resilience and the continued confidence of supporters.
“Notably, we have already shown that we can raise funds internally,” he said. “The acquisition of our office property was made possible through our anniversary fundraising efforts, which speaks to the level of support we continue to receive.”
He, however, said at the same time, the ongoing construction work is being directly funded through contributions from party representatives, including councillors and Members of Parliament.
These subscriptions, Khan added, have increased significantly in recent years, particularly following the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) electoral gains in 2024.
Consequently, he said the surge in contributions reflects renewed momentum within the party, as well as a strengthened sense of unity and commitment among its leadership structures.
Khan said this internal financial discipline is critical in ensuring that development projects are sustained without overreliance on donors.
Moreover, the BNF’s asset development programme signals a shift in how political parties in Botswana approach funding and sustainability.
He said by investing in income-generating infrastructure, the party aims to reduce vulnerability to fluctuating donations and instead build a more predictable and independent financial model.
He said equally important, the move aligns with broader efforts to professionalise party operations and enhance institutional stability.
“With rental income expected from the Ginger shopping complex and future developments, the BNF is positioning itself to better finance its activities, including campaign efforts, administrative costs and grassroots mobilisation,” he said.
Looking ahead, Khan maintained that the party remains committed to expanding its property portfolio in a measured and strategic manner.
While challenges such as funding constraints and project timelines remain, he expressed confidence and that the current trajectory would yield long-term benefits.
By leveraging its existing assets and strengthening internal funding mechanisms, the party hopes to build a more resilient foundation capable of supporting its political ambitions in the years to come.