Expel the expeller, BPF’s entrenched pattern

Friday, November 07, 2025 | 200 Views |

Reatile recently expelled Mathoothe (left) and Ookeditse (right) after the latter continued with the elective congress
PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

What began as a power struggle between party factions has evolved into a bizarre pattern of retaliation, a revolving door of suspensions, expulsions, and counter-expulsions that has reduced the Botswana Patriotic Front’s (BPF) internal politics to a soap opera, writes Mmegi staffer SPIRA TLHANKANE

The BPF has developed a peculiar political culture where those who expel others today often find themselves expelled tomorrow. The latest episode aired this past weekend when the man who won a disputed election, Lawrence Ookeditse’s faction, revoked the membership of Mephato Reatile, the very man who, only hours earlier, had expelled him and his allies from the same party.

This “expel-the-expeller” dynamic has become the defining feature of the BPF’s tumultuous internal life, with almost every leadership dispute ending in a round of expulsions followed by a court battle.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

BPF
POLITICS

Explore

More

Expel the expeller, BPF’s entrenched pattern

What began as a power struggle between party factions has evolved into a bizarre pattern of retaliation, a revolving door of suspensions, expulsions, and counter-expulsions that has reduced the Botswana Patriotic Front’s (BPF) internal politics to a soap opera, writes Mmegi staffer SPIRA TLHANKANE

Motaosane’s staying powe

Okatch doubles at FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup

Red Tape blocks registration of Shooting Association

Team Botswana leaves for African Youth Games

Mothuba extends gratitude to Nare

Systems' coach alarmed by referee's decisions

Zebras walk into AFCON With P4 Million more in the bank

A call to action in Botswana’s HIV response

Justice delayed is development denied