The incumbent SG, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, who also serves as Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs is challeneged by Stephen Modise, the Minister of Health. According to sources, there has been significant lobbying for Modise to challenge Motshegwa due to 'dissatisfaction' over the handling of nominated councillors issue by Motshegwa. Members expressing frustration feel Motshegwa favoured his allies whilst disregarding those they had recommended. However, it was pointed out that some disgruntled members did not follow proper procedures when applying for council seats. Additionally, it was noted that certain BNF members opposed the approval of candidates from opposition parties. Some members voiced concerns about the party's decision to offer positions to individuals who joined the BNF only after losing elections, claiming they received seats they did not deserve. During a leadership forum held at the Big Five Lodge recently, some members argued that party new entrants should follow the same process as everyone else.
The issue became even more contentious when two individuals from the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) were unexpectedly rewarded, leaving many members dissatisfied and expressing their discontent on social media. Whilst some members express dissatisfaction with Motshegwa's leadership, others believe that Modise should take time to fully understand the party and its dynamics before pursuing the secretary-general role. According to a source, these members feel that Modise has not yet fully integrated into the party's structures and would benefit from taking time to learn and adapt. Additionally, the source highlighted that some members believe Cabinet ministers should focus on their current roles and constituencies rather than seek party leadership positions. "At the leadership forum, we agreed that this issue should be brought to the congress. Members cannot be seen as holding all the positions as if there are no capable leaders within the party. If this continues, some may start believing they are more important than the organisation itself. "Ministers already wield significant power, so why do they still need party positions?" the source wondered. Already, Motshegwa and Modise have hit the ground running in their campaigns.
