Rammidi eyes BDP SG post

Former cabinet minister and also former Secretary General of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Kentse Rammidi has announced his intention to contest for the Secretary-General position at the party’s upcoming National Elective Congress in Maun this July.

His decision comes despite the BDP’s historic loss in the October 2024 general election, marking the first time in 58 years that the party finds itself in the opposition. Rammidi remains steadfast in his belief that the BDP continues to hold so much value and relevance in Botswana’s political landscape.

He says that various internal challenges contributed to the party’s defeat, citing a deviation from traditional party culture, a lack of consultation, and poorly managed primary elections, which also led to his own unsuccessful bid for a parliamentary seat.

“There was a lot of dissatisfaction within the party,” he says, noting that most members chose not to vote, while some openly voiced their discontent on social media before the elections. His campaign for Secretary-General is centred on restoring order and strengthening the party’s internal structures.

Rammidi ventured into active politics in 1998, and has held various leadership roles within the BDP, including serving as chairman of the Kanye North Youth Committee, Southern Region chairman, and Deputy Secretary-General (2005-2007).

In 2009, he won a parliamentary seat for Kanye, and in 2011, he was elected BDP Secretary-General. However, he resigned after clashing with the party leadership and later served as Secretary-General of the Botswana Congress Party.

Rammidi is expected to face stiff competition from former Minister for State President Kabo Morwaeng, who has also expressed interest in the Secretary-General position.

Rammidi revealed that it is not the first time he will be facing Morwaeng, as he previously contested against him for the Secretary-General position and won. The third competitor for SG position is Thabo Autlwetse.

Morwaeng has recently stressed the need for experienced political leadership to revive the party, asserting that strategic leadership is essential for the BDP’s recovery and future success.