However, it surely describes Nonofho Molefhi’s drive as he vies for the Presidential position for the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) during the May congress. This is a man who challenged two different Vice Presidents for the chairpersonship seat and lost. Since his last sighting at the Tsabong Congress in 2022, Molefhi, who some describe as ‘humble’, is now out of the shadows. Despite the BDP’s humiliating loss at the polls last October, Molefhi, a former Cabinet minister, feels he can repair the ship that was sunk under the captainship of outgoing BDP president, Mokgweetsi Masisi. Speaking at a press briefing this week, Molefhi says he is the right man for the job because he has been consistent and committed to bringing about positive changes to the BDP. He also said he plans to make serious and institutional changes.
Molefhi said he wants to do things in a way that will make the BDP members be part of the party once again. Molefhi’s main goals are to rebuild, restore, and reform the BDP. He disclosed that the race for the presidential position at the BDP is not about who is the best but about putting out the best ideas to resurrect the once mighty BDP. “It is not about ourselves as candidates; it’s about the BDP and democrats,” he said. He said the BDP has worked hard to develop the country, but over the years, it became complicit and complacent. Molefhi said they have to dig themselves out of the loss. He said he was happy that the BDP members have learnt their lesson, even though they had to learn it the hard way. Molefhi said they should reflect on some of the things and see how they can change. “We lost elections because there was erosion of our values, traditions, and the core ethos the BDP was built with,” he said. Molefhi pointed out that the BDP drifted away from building the institution and decided to rally behind individuals. He said this ultimately manifested into factions. He said factions are not a problem as long as they are not used for destructive purposes. He said his camp in 2017 was called ‘Ko Marakanelong,’ meaning that they should look back and do a lot of self-reflection. The former Selebi-Phikwe East legislator said at the Tonota congress in 2017 that he was accused of creating two centers of power when he advocated for the dissolution of the powers of the president to other structures of the party. “The constitution is the problem because it vests so much with the president,” he indicated.
