The Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) 2024 General Election loss has sparked necessary conversations about leadership, responsibility and the will of the people.
Kabo Morwaeng, a senior BDP figure known for always defending the President and also sent to do some shocking stuff in his capacity as a Minister, has defended the former Cabinet against claims it failed to advise ex-president Mokgweetsi Masisi, contributing to the party’s defeat. While he insists Cabinet discussions are “secret” and that the President holds “enormous power,” his defence misses a crucial point: Batswana deserve leaders who prioritise transparency, accept accountability, and act on their needs.
Morwaeng argues that Cabinet confidentiality prevents him from revealing what advice was given to Masisi, comparing it to “not telling your spouse” private matters. While some discussions in government business require discretion, using secrecy as a shield against public scrutiny fosters distrust. Citizens have the right to know whether their leaders fought for their interests behind closed doors. If the Cabinet did advise Masisi wisely, why has the BDP’s governance led to such voter dissatisfaction? Accountability is not about airing every private meeting but demonstrating that leaders acted in the people’s best interests. Deflecting blame by hiding behind “sworn secrecy” only deepens suspicions. The BDP’s loss reflects a clear message: Batswana demand change. Yet Morwaeng dismisses criticism as “unfair,” insisting the defeat had “many reasons” beyond the Cabinet’s role. True leadership requires humility. Instead of deflecting, the BDP should ask why voters turned away. Was it unaddressed inequality? Broken promises? A perception that leaders prioritised power over service? When Morwaeng states, “the president’s word is final,” he inadvertently highlights a deeper issue: a culture where leaders avoid responsibility by blaming those at the top. But in a democracy, all leaders must answer for their party’s failures.
Elections are a directive. The BDP’s loss is not merely a result but a plea for leaders to listen. Morwaeng claims the Cabinet did their roles diligently, but diligence means little if it doesn’t align with citizens’ needs. If the Cabinet’s advice ignored public sentiment, secrecy becomes part of the problem.
Botswana’s leaders must move beyond defending past actions and focus on rebuilding trust. This starts with honesty, acknowledging missteps and action, such as holding open forums, reforming outdated policies, or publicly outlining plans to address voter concerns. Morwaeng and the BDP’s current leadership face a choice: cling to secrecy and denial or embrace transparency and renewal. Batswana have spoken; their leaders must now respond with courage. Admit where the party fell short. Engage citizens openly. Prove that the BDP’s priority is serving the people, not protecting its image. Democracy thrives when leaders are truthful, accountable, and humble enough to learn. The time for deflection is over. The time to listen and act is now. We hope the ruling UDC is also taking notes and will do the will of Batswana.“To complaints of a job poorly done, one often hears the excuse, ‘I am not responsible.’ I believe that is literally correct. The man who takes such a stand in fact is not responsible; he is irresponsible. “- Admiral Hyman G. Rickover
Morwaeng argues that Cabinet confidentiality prevents him from revealing what advice was given to Masisi, comparing it to “not telling your spouse” private matters. While some discussions in government business require discretion, using secrecy as a shield against public scrutiny fosters distrust. Citizens have the right to know whether their leaders fought for their interests behind closed doors. If the Cabinet did advise Masisi wisely, why has the BDP’s governance led to such voter dissatisfaction? Accountability is not about airing every private meeting but demonstrating that leaders acted in the people’s best interests. Deflecting blame by hiding behind “sworn secrecy” only deepens suspicions. The BDP’s loss reflects a clear message: Batswana demand change. Yet Morwaeng dismisses criticism as “unfair,” insisting the defeat had “many reasons” beyond the Cabinet’s role. True leadership requires humility. Instead of deflecting, the BDP should ask why voters turned away. Was it unaddressed inequality? Broken promises? A perception that leaders prioritised power over service? When Morwaeng states, “the president’s word is final,” he inadvertently highlights a deeper issue: a culture where leaders avoid responsibility by blaming those at the top. But in a democracy, all leaders must answer for their party’s failures.
Elections are a directive. The BDP’s loss is not merely a result but a plea for leaders to listen. Morwaeng claims the Cabinet did their roles diligently, but diligence means little if it doesn’t align with citizens’ needs. If the Cabinet’s advice ignored public sentiment, secrecy becomes part of the problem.
Botswana’s leaders must move beyond defending past actions and focus on rebuilding trust. This starts with honesty, acknowledging missteps and action, such as holding open forums, reforming outdated policies, or publicly outlining plans to address voter concerns. Morwaeng and the BDP’s current leadership face a choice: cling to secrecy and denial or embrace transparency and renewal. Batswana have spoken; their leaders must now respond with courage. Admit where the party fell short. Engage citizens openly. Prove that the BDP’s priority is serving the people, not protecting its image. Democracy thrives when leaders are truthful, accountable, and humble enough to learn. The time for deflection is over. The time to listen and act is now. We hope the ruling UDC is also taking notes and will do the will of Batswana.“To complaints of a job poorly done, one often hears the excuse, ‘I am not responsible.’ I believe that is literally correct. The man who takes such a stand in fact is not responsible; he is irresponsible. “- Admiral Hyman G. Rickover
