BPF faction meets, no resolutions reached
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday March 24, 2026 10:17
Prior to the meeting, there had been speculation that the gathering would outline a strategy to confront a rival faction or chart a clear political path forward. However, party leaders moved swiftly to dispel such expectations, clarifying that the primary purpose of the meeting was not to make decisions, but rather to interpret the recent High Court judgment and engage members on its implications. Addressing the media, interim party president Gaolathe Galebotswe explained that the meeting was intended to provide clarity and reflection following the legal battle.
“We have not made any resolutions as we wanted to meet members, explain the judgment to them, and hear their views regarding what we had gone through. There was no way we could not hold a meeting after what had happened to us,” he said.
Furthermore, he said the faction used the platform to celebrate a legal victory that allows them to continue using the party’s slogan and colours, privileges they had previously been barred from exercising by a rival group through the courts.
Meanwhile, sources within the party revealed that members used the meeting to voice their expectations regarding unity and reconciliation. Notably, the source said there were calls for interim leaders to allow the unconditional return of members who had aligned themselves with the rival camp. However, this proposal reportedly excluded three individuals, the BPF ‘president’ Lawrence Ookeditse, Baratiwa Mathoothe, and Fox Segwai, according to the source who was directly involved in the court action against the faction. At the same time, the source revealed that members are said to have stressed the urgency of rebuilding party structures in preparation for a future congress.
“It was agreed that members from the other team should be accepted immediately within the party without any conditions,” the source said.
Although no specific timelines were agreed upon, insiders indicated that there is a growing consensus on the need to stabilise internal systems before any elective gathering can be convened.
Whilst the meeting fell short of producing firm resolutions, it nonetheless highlighted ongoing divisions within the party and the complex path towards unity.