Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is heading to Palapye for its retreat at the end of this month, the first since 2019 when the party last gathered at the same venue.
Their last retreat was attended by former president Ian Khama at a time when his relations with then president Mokgweetsi Masisi were already strained.
This time the gathering marks a historic moment for the BDP as they convene for the first time as an opposition party under the leadership of Mpho Balopi and a new Central Committee
The Voice staffer, DANIEL CHIDA, spoke to the BDP leader about the pivotal meeting and the expectations ahead of the retreat.
Kindly define your leadership style?
I am primarily a democrat who believes in Therisanyo/Consultation as espoused in the BDP constitution. I am a servant leader. For me, leadership is a servant-hood and not a throne to exercise unrestricted power.
How is it different from your predecessors?
My predecessors have all played their part in leading BDP and I respect them for that. They led the party when it was in power. My leadership comes during our opposition phase and so it becomes more important to be a servant leader and return the party to its founding values and rally all our members by showing them their importance to our collective cause.
Looking at your manifesto or campaign message towards the Maun congress, do you see yourself on track to deliver those?
We are on track. We promised to return former members home, and we are seeing many coming back. We promised to prioritise unity, and we have included many of our past leaders, including some who contested elections, in the structures of the party. We promised reform, and we are ushering that with more focus on policy debate through portfolio committees that we set up. We are also enhancing Therisanyo as you know that we are heading to Palapye for the retreat. We are well on course, as these few examples show.
Which direction do you want to take your party?
I wish to make the party an institution that serves the interests of Batswana. As an opposition party, we have a role to be patriotic and guard national interest by demonstrating that we can lead from the back. We will do this by contributing to policy and governance issues. We will propose alternatives. The Party will demonstrate its legacy of building this country. And we will show how we are reforming it to align with Botswana’s current challenges.
Kindly share more details on the anticipated retreat.
There are various topics that will be under discussion with regard to consolidating the party for opposition politics. For the first time since we lost the general elections, we will meet and discuss issues at a national level without any distraction on internal politics. You are invited to this historic gathering.
The last one was held in 2019, why did you take so long?
After 2019, Covid-19 set many things off. However, I can confidently say that under the current Central Committee, we will hold more consultative forums as and when the need arises.
What do you intend to achieve from the retreat?
Our theme is “Reconstruction after the storm: Empowering structures to revive the spirit of self reliance and unity of purpose.” We are gathering to synchronise our thoughts and to unite behind one cause – to be of service to Batswana. We want to emerge with one voice and one mission.
Already allegations are that there is going to be chaos, what is your take on it?
I do not expect any chaos. Our party is welded by voluntary desire. Kagisano and Botho are key principles of our party which are enshrined in our constitution. We expect all members to live and practice them and I have no doubt about that.
There are also allegations that some central committee members feel sidelined, can you give clarity on this?
The allegations are not true. The Central Committee holds monthly meetings where most discussions and decisions are made. The day to day operations of the party office are also reviewed at our monthly meetings. I am proud of the Central Committee. Their diversity keeps the party alive.
We have seen some Central Committee members resign and some are also on their way out, what is happening?
We have only one resignation and we wish him well. Party membership and Central Committee positions are voluntary. They are a heavy responsibility and we will respect those who decide that they cannot carry the weight anymore. I am not aware that anyone is on the way out.
Do you believe the BDP will return to power under your leadership?
BDP will return to power if party members unite and place national interest above personal ambitions. It is not about me, it is about Botswana, and we seek to serve Botswana through the Party. Yes, BDP will return to state power as Batswana know its legacy and they will continually appreciate its vision for the country.
I was a long time SG who worked hard for the party and contributed to winning the 2014 and 2019 general elections, as part of a formidable team.
The party rarely lost by-elections during my tenure as SG because of the teams I led. I stood in Gaborone and won the party a seat and contributed to a clean sweep for BDP in 2019 when it was not fashionable for the top three of the party to contest in the epicentre of politics, the Capital City, but I did. I have a track record of rallying the party and consolidating members behind a cause.
