The battle to be BDP Boss
In October 2024, for the first time in the country’s history, power slipped from the Botswana Democratic Party’s once mighty grip.
Indeed it was emphatically snatched away, the Red Machine winning just four parliamentary seats out of a possible 67 as the nation spoke loud and clear: it’s time for change!
Rocked, the Democrats now look to regroup, plotting change of their own as they rebuild from the top and attempt to win back the faith of the people.
The long road to redemption starts in Maun on 10 May, where the BDP will gather for its elective National Congress, arguably the most important in Domkrag’s 63-year existence.
With Mokgweetsi Masisi, who led the party to ruin at last year’s polls, not contesting, members must decide who they want to lead this crucial next chapter for the BDP.
Four men have put their hands up for the job, each convinced they are the right candidate to restore the party to former glories.
The quartet tell The Voice’s FRANCINAH BAAITSE why they believe Democrats should vote for them…
NONOFO MOLEFHI: I was convinced to contest for BDP Presidency after recognising the need to take ourselves seriously as a party.
Last year we lost national elections and we lost government; but what is important at this point is that we come together as Democrats, so we can start the journey together because we have common goals of renewing our party, restoring its dignity.
In previous years I advocated for reforms and renewal of our party; to restore our party to a state where we will appeal to Batswana.
I did that in 2017 and also in 2022; in both these instances I highlighted the importance of reflecting and reforming so that we appeal to people and retain members.
It was evident last year that in our administration the masses turned against us and voted others to lead this country.
This loss does not mean we should give up; we have to be hopeful and believe that the more than 250, 000 people who voted for the BDP are proof that the party is still very much alive.
What Democrats need now is support in their efforts to rebuild and move forward.
I am here raising my hand and asking for votes to lead this party so that I may take the responsibility of collecting and consolidating your aspirations in our quest to build this party, in our quest to stand together, to maintain and raise the dignity of the party.
I believe together we can build, restore and renew this party and put it in a position where it is relevant and appealing to the nation.
SLUMBER TSOGWANE: BDP stands at a turning point in its history.
We are at a defining moment as a party. Yes we are in the opposition; therefore we must confront the future with courage, determination and humility.
We need to redefine our cause. It would be easier for many to walk away, abandon the party or desert what seems like a sinking ship in turbulent times.
However, I have made the solemn decision to stay firm, take accountability and steer the ship to safer waters.
I am encouraged by the wisdom of the sages which states, ‘Everything will work out in the end.
We don’t need to know how – we just have to trust that it will never let a bad situation bring out the worst in you.
Be strong, choose to be positive, and embrace the lessons that come with challenges.
Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.’
So to fellow Democrats, it is not time to wait for the storm to pass, it is time to dance in the rain.
We must all come on board, unite and forge ahead. With experience in leadership, both in the party and government, I am more than ready to lead the BDP into yet another glorious era and reclaim governance, more importantly we must change strategy!
MPHO BALOPI: For our beloved party, the mighty BDP, this [loss] has been a traumatic experience, unprecedented in the history of our country.
We must accept that under the prevailing circumstances, Batswana were left with no choice but to remove us from power.
Our people denied us a governing mandate because to voters, the past administration had become arrogant, vindictive, complacent, uncaring and in some instances showed disregard for the rule of law.
Any deviation from the founding values of the Republic was likely to invite rejection at the polls.
Rejection is the punishment we received at the last general elections.
Let us note that the 37 percent popular vote attained by the governing UDC is the lowest ever for a ruling party in Botswana.
Certain wrong things were allowed to happen which alienated Ma-Domi from their beloved party.
As Ma-Domi, we need to resolve to be prepared and competitive for 2029 elections.
Together with a collective team that will be elected at the upcoming congress, I commit myself to returning the party to its glory days.
The mighty BDP can still bounce back.
The loss of power after 58 years marks a timely opportunity for deep reflection.
Upon return from Maun, we will kick-start a reconciliation process with Batswana, the starting point being to consider issuing an apology to citizens that may have been wronged by our party as well as to the entire nation.
AME MAKOBA: I have been told that leading Botswana Democratic Party in opposition is a mountain too high for me to climb.
But sometimes it takes a mountain to trust and believe what God can do through a person and to know your true capabilities and abilities and so I stood up to join the race for party presidency.
I do that, not because I have all the solutions in the world or to problems that we face, but because I believe in the principles that founded our party through the daring young people who formed this movement and lead it into a strong party that lead the nation for 58 years, who were either told they were very brave or foolish.
I could be one of these two, but what I shall not be is afraid to take on a task at a time of change when the party too must demonstrate that it has changed.
I wish to lead a party that is united, that believes in talents and developing the talents of all its people, giving all its people equal opportunities; a party of shared prosperity, a party that is rejuvenated and participates in public discourse and problems that bedevil our nation at high highest level and with confidence.
And so, when the party congress is called, I will stand for the position of party President.
