In a suspension notice signed by BCPYL chairperson Thabo Malesela, the League accused Saleshando of making unilateral declarations about the student structure and calling for the dissolution of the existing Youth League leadership without following established party procedures. The notice follows Saleshando’s October 12, 2026 statement titled 'Student Position on Youth League', in which he announced that student structures would no longer fall under the BCPYL and declared the formation of the BCP Student Command as a separate structure.
The Youth League said the declarations appeared to have been made without adequate consultation or resolution through the party’s internal structures. “The League is concerned that these declarations appear to have been made without adequate consultation, engagement, or resolution through the appropriate internal structures and established party procedures,” the notice reads. The BCPYL also raised concerns over the publication of the statement on social media before the matter could be addressed internally, arguing that this risked undermining the League’s authority and cohesion. It maintained that members had the right to criticise leadership and propose reforms but insisted that such matters should be pursued through established party channels. The allegations against Saleshando include disregarding internal procedures, undermining the Youth League and potentially breaching the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and BCPYL constitutions. He has been given seven calendar days from receipt of the notice to submit a written response and will have an opportunity to participate in the disciplinary process. The League stressed that the interim suspension did not constitute a finding of guilt.
