AP eyes policy reset
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday July 3, 2026 11:19
The policy forum is expected to be held this month. The policy forum is expected to provide AP members with an opportunity to review existing policies, identify those requiring amendment, and determine whether they align with the UDC's policy agenda and the coalition's Purple Vision. As one of the UDC affiliate parties, the AP views the exercise as critical in ensuring that its policy positions complement those of the governing coalition. Speaking in an interview on Wednesday this week, AP secretary-general, Phenyo Butale said the central committee would first determine where the forum would be held before preparations move into full swing.
According to Butale, the gathering will bring together party members and government leaders to deliberate on policy issues affecting different sectors of government. 'AP ministers will present policies from their respective ministries before members and seek their views on them. We want members to have an opportunity to contribute and share their perspectives on whether these policies are addressing the needs of the people,' he said. Furthermore, Butale explained that the forum will assess whether some existing policies remain relevant under the current administration or whether they should be revised to respond to emerging national priorities.
'There might be policies that we still need, while others may require renewal. At the same time, we have to assess whether they are aligned with the UDC and the Purple Vision. This policy forum will help us position ourselves properly as a ruling party,' he said.He added that the exercise is not merely about reviewing government programmes, but also about ensuring that the party develops coherent policy positions capable of supporting the work of the UDC government. Moreover, Butale said the forum will serve as an important platform for educating party members on how government operates, arguing that a better understanding of governance issues will enable members to communicate government programmes more effectively to the public.
'The policy forum also helps our members understand the dynamics of government. It is important that members appreciate how policies are formulated, implemented and reviewed because that strengthens the party's ability to engage citizens on government programmes,' he said.
Besides policy discussions, the meeting will also assess progress made in the party's ongoing membership recruitment campaign. Butale said the recruitment drive remains one of the AP's strategic priorities as the party seeks to expand its footprint across the country while strengthening the broader UDC coalition. 'We will discuss how the recruitment drive is progressing and also consider strategies that can improve it. A stronger AP contributes to a stronger UDC,' he said. He stressed that the governing coalition would only remain competitive if each of its affiliate parties continued to grow and maintain vibrant grassroots structures. According to Butale, building stronger affiliate parties is essential as the coalition gradually shifts its focus towards preparations for the 2029 General Election. 'The UDC needs all its affiliates to remain strong as we prepare for the 2029 General Election. Every affiliate has a responsibility to build its structures and mobilise members because that ultimately strengthens the coalition,' he said. Meanwhile, the secretary-general said the central committee would also evaluate the state of the party's structures across the country. He explained that the leadership wants to determine whether regional, constituency and branch structures remain active and functional, noting that strong organisational structures are vital for effective mobilisation and policy implementation. 'We also need to check whether all our structures are solid and active because organisational strength is critical for the growth of the party,' Butale said. In addition, the AP Youth League is expected to hold its own retreat alongside the policy forum. The retreat will provide young party members with an opportunity to deliberate on issues affecting the youth wing while strengthening its organisational capacity ahead of future political activities.
Although separate from the main policy discussions, the youth retreat is expected to complement the broader objectives of the gathering by equipping young members with the skills and knowledge required to contribute effectively to the party's programmes.The planned policy forum comes at a time when parties within the UDC are increasingly turning their attention towards policy consolidation and organisational renewal following the coalition's assumption of government. For the AP, the gathering is expected to provide an opportunity not only to evaluate government policies but also to ensure that the party remains relevant within the coalition by developing policy positions that reflect both its values and those of the UDC administration.