Seretse never backs down politically
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday May 22, 2026 11:40
Within the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Seretse has fought numerous political battles, winning some while losing others. However, what has distinguished her throughout the years is her refusal to be intimidated by pressure from within party structures or from the public.
In a political landscape where many prefer silence over confrontation, Seretse has consistently chosen blunt honesty. Like political philosopher Hannah Arendt once observed: “The most radical revolutionary will become a conservative the day after the revolution”. The quote captures the difficult reality of politics, where many politicians soften their voices once they taste power.
Yet Seretse appears to have travelled in the opposite direction, becoming even more vocal with time. Instead, power has never silenced her, as, once a Minister of Transport, she openly told people to stop committing suicide by throwing themselves on the railway and asked them to hang themselves from the trees. That shocked a lot of people. Known for her directness, Seretse has never hidden her opinions on issues affecting her party or the country. Whether defending the BDP leadership or openly criticising it, she has often positioned herself as a politician guided more by conviction than convenience. Those who know her well say her outspokenness is not an act for the cameras but a trait deeply rooted in her personality. At a time when many women in the ruling party were reluctant to contest influential positions within the BDP, Seretse broke ranks and contested for the party chairperson position. Although she faced criticism and did not receive the level of media attention she may have hoped for, she nevertheless remained undeterred. Instead of retreating from politics, she continued to push forward in a space traditionally dominated by men. Her political journey has been marked by resilience. Despite attracting headlines over the years for controversial or uncomfortable remarks, Seretse has rarely backed down or apologised simply to please critics. Observers say this consistency has earned her both admirers and detractors in equal measure. Recently, Seretse once again demonstrated her trademark candour during the funeral proceedings of former president Festus Mogae. While many speakers focused on polished tributes and carefully measured words, Seretse offered a deeply personal and frank reflection about the late statesman. “Mogae was stubborn and a straight talker. He would make decisions that forced people to negotiate with him, and at times, he would not listen. I want to thank Mme MmaNametso for cleaning our mess at times,” she said during her address. Her remarks immediately attracted attention, not because they were insulting, but because they reflected a rare willingness to speak honestly about a national leader at a solemn event where many usually avoid uncomfortable truths. Those present noted that MmaNametso herself smiled during Seretse’s speech, suggesting familiarity with the realities being described. To many who understand Seretse personally, her remarks at the funeral came as no surprise. Family friends and political associates have long described her as someone who values honesty over diplomacy. Even when such honesty risks attracting backlash, she has seldom softened her tone. More recently, Seretse again made headlines during the BDP retreat in Palapye, where she openly confronted the new party leadership over what she viewed as selective reconciliation efforts inside the ruling party. “We have been wronged as well. Again, we were the ones going around building this party when it was under attack after the Botswana Patriotic Front split, but we never got rewarded for our job,” she said. The statement exposed lingering frustrations among some BDP members who believe their sacrifices during the party’s most difficult political period were never fully recognised. The formation of the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) dealt a major blow to the BDP, particularly in the Central district, where the ruling party lost influential members and significant political ground. However, Seretse’s criticism also highlighted another side of her political character, her willingness to challenge authority even while remaining loyal to the party. Unlike politicians who quietly grumble behind closed doors, Seretse has repeatedly chosen public confrontation whenever she believes an issue deserves attention. Her fearless approach is not new. Years ago, she openly differed with Bangwato elders during a kgotla meeting, discussing the controversial Sections 77, 78 and 79 of the Botswana Constitution. At the time, the sections had sparked intense national debate over tribal representation and constitutional recognition. What made Seretse’s intervention particularly significant was that she was married into the influential Seretse family, which is closely linked to the Bangwato royal lineage. Despite the sensitivity of the matter and cultural expectations surrounding loyalty to tribal structures, she still voiced a differing opinion. That moment cemented her reputation as a politician unwilling to surrender her personal convictions simply to maintain political or social comfort. Beyond politics, Seretse has also built an impressive professional profile. Trained as a lawyer and a successful businesswoman, she has served Botswana in several influential positions, including as a cabinet minister, an ambassador, and a Member of Parliament for Serowe South.