BDP rebuild drive gains momentum
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday April 6, 2026 06:00
In a bold and highly visible push, party elders and leadership are working tirelessly, crisscrossing the country to re-engage members at all levels and restore confidence among supporters. Unlike previous renewal efforts, this campaign is not driven solely by Central Committee (CC) members. Veteran members of the party have joined forces with leadership, forming a united front that blends experience with strategy.
According to BDP executive-secretary Ame Makoba, who spoke in an interview on Tuesday, this combined approach is already showing positive results.
“Members, particularly our seasoned veterans, have taken it upon themselves to work hand in hand with the central committee to rebuild the party,” Makoba said. “Our aim is not only to win the 2029 General Elections, but to emerge stronger than we were in 2024. If we do not win, then we must position ourselves as the main opposition.” He said following the 2024 election defeat, BDP leadership recognised that relying solely on traditional structures would not be enough to reclaim its dominance.
Consequently, he said the party has adopted a hands-on approach, visiting every level from national committees to constituency, ward, and even the smallest cell units.
“The recent tours have produced surprisingly large turnouts, according to observers, in meetings and congresses held in key areas such as Francistown and the Kweneng West Region,” he said. While some have expressed surprise at the numbers, Makoba emphasises that the results reflect months of careful planning and groundwork, including the strategic Palapye retreat. He explained that the retreat served as a catalyst, bringing members together, realigning priorities, and reinforcing the party’s internal cohesion. Furthermore, he said the BDP is not merely focused on structural renewal; it is also reintegrating some of its seasoned figures, often referred to as the “old guard,” to guide younger members and lend credibility to the revival.
In addition, he said former speaker of the National Assembly Pono Moatlhodi has recently been elected chairperson of the Francistown Region, while Boyce Sebetela, Kitso Mokaila, and Eric Molale are taking leadership roles in the party’s think tanks, focusing on policy development and portfolio committees.
The think tanks, according to the BDP executive secretary, are already yielding visible results. He, however, said the party has become more active in public discourse, engaging citizens and analysts through both print and electronic media. He also said that by participating in debates, forums, and media interviews, the BDP seeks to demonstrate not only its readiness to govern but also its ability to offer informed alternatives to current policies. “Importantly, the BDP’s renewed energy also reflects a strategic understanding of Botswana’s changing political landscape. While younger voters and first-time participants increasingly shape elections, the party recognizes the value of combining experience with grassroots mobilization,” he said. “Veterans touring with CC members provide mentorship while ensuring that all corners of the country are accounted for in the revival process.” Makoba said that this holistic approach is critical for positioning the party as a credible alternative government. “We are not resting. Even as we rebuild, we are making sure that our message reaches the public, that our structures are functional, and that our members feel valued and involved,” he said. “A strong internal base is essential for facing the challenges posed by opposition politics.” Additionally, the party is actively preparing for the 2029 general elections. According to sources at Tsholetsa, primary elections to select candidates are scheduled for 2027. This early preparation signals the BDP’s determination to avoid past mistakes and ensures ample time to groom candidates, strengthen local support, and present a unified front.