Some members of the Botswana National Front (BNF) have raised concerns about the dual roles played by the party’s Members of Parliament (MPs), who also serve as Cabinet Ministers, suggesting that the party’s leadership structure might need to undergo a significant change.
During a Leadership Forum held this past weekend at the Big Five Lodge, party members called for MPs who hold ministerial positions to refrain from contesting for key party positions in the upcoming elective congress billed for next year. The central issue driving the debate is the perceived incompatibility between ministerial duties and the party's responsibilities. According to members, both roles demand significant time and attention, and the overlap of the duties could lead to neglect of either the constituency or the party’s needs. Several party members have expressed concerns that MPs who double up as Ministers are often too focused on government work, leaving little time for engagement with their constituencies or fulfilling party responsibilities. “There is a growing belief among members that a Cabinet Minister who also holds a party position cannot effectively serve either role,” said Tumelo Legase, the BNF spokesperson. “The members feel that the demands of ministerial work leave little time for addressing constituency issues, which should be the priority of any elected official. Party positions also require time and commitment, and when Ministers hold both roles, they risk neglecting the interests of the party and their constituents,” said Legase.
The source of concern is rooted in the idea that Ministers, who are heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of government, may not have enough time to spend in their constituencies, directly interacting with voters and addressing local issues. This, members argue, compromises the minister’s ability to effectively serve their people and deliver on campaign promises. “In fact, members believe that an MP or a councillor is a political position that requires significant time and attention,” Legase added. “Ministers spend much of their time in government offices, attending to national issues. The little time they have left should be dedicated to their constituencies, ensuring they remain connected to the people who elected them,” he said. Moreover, some BNF members voiced their discomfort with the idea of any individual holding both a high-ranking Cabinet role and a leadership position within the party. They fear that this concentration of power could lead to an unhealthy sense of entitlement and make the individual feel more important than the party as a whole. “There is discomfort amongst members with one person holding both a powerful ministerial role and a central party position,” Legase further explained. “The concern is that this could lead to a situation where a leader believes they are bigger than the party itself, undermining the collective nature of the organisation,” said Legase. He confirmed that these concerns were raised during the forum, but emphasised that the party’s central committee (CC) had made it clear that no decision could be made at this stage.
He noted that any such decision would need to be presented as a formal motion at the party’s congress. “It is true that this issue was discussed during the forum, but the Central Committee has stated that such a decision cannot be made at this level,” the party spokesperson said. “The members are being encouraged to bring the issue to the congress, where it can be formally debated and voted on. If the membership feels strongly about this, it will be up to the congress to resolve the matter,” said Legase. The argument put forward by those in favour of separating the roles of MP and Cabinet Minister is that both positions require a full commitment. They argue that Cabinet ministers are unable to dedicate sufficient time to their constituencies while juggling the demands of their ministerial responsibilities, which are often far-reaching and time-consuming. “There is a strong feeling that ministers should not be expected to juggle both political leadership roles within the party and their ministerial duties,” Legase explained. He said party positions require dedicated time and effort to ensure that the party’s vision and agenda are being actively pursued. “Ministers, given their government responsibilities, may not be able to give the party the attention it deserves,” he said. However, a key issue raised on the floor during the forum was the need for a clear and accountable line of communication between the party leadership and its government representatives. Legase noted that the forum agreed on the importance of ministers being held accountable in party forums, particularly when it comes to delivering on the promises they made during election campaigns. “There should be constant interaction between the government and the party,” he emphasised. He said the forum called for the ministers to be able to account to the party for what they are doing in their ministries. Furthermore, Legase said the party wants to ensure that government promises are being met and that there is no disconnect between the party and the government. “The leadership forum has agreed that ministers should be regularly accountable for their performance in office,” he pointed out.
He said as the BNF looks ahead to its congress next year, this debate is expected to continue, and the outcome could shape the future direction of the party. Legase said if the party members succeed in separating the roles of minister and party leader, it could mark a significant shift in the way the BNF approaches political leadership and governance. Legase emphasised the need for constant communication and accountability. “There must be a strong relationship between the party and the government to ensure that the people’s concerns are heard and addressed. Ministers must be able to account for their work in government, and this requires ongoing dialogue between the party leadership and the ministers themselves.” As the BNF prepares for its 2025 congress, this issue will undoubtedly remain a key focus, with members eager to ensure that both the party’s internal health and its capacity to deliver on promises to voters are maintained.