BDP embarks on fund raising
Cash strapped Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has decided to set up a campaign Fund where wards will make monthly contributions. The BDP has since losing power in 2024 lost a significant number of its funders, affecting the party’s finances. BDP President Mpho Balopi has indicated that their plans need to be resourced.
He revealed that the Party is heavily strained as they have less Members of Parliament and Councillors than before. He pointed out that their collections have dropped significantly.
“The primary source must henceforth be each one of us, the Party members. May I remind you that our constitution requires that we must all abide by contributions or subscriptions in order to be considered as members in good standing. I also encourage Members of Central Committee, Members of Parliament, Councillors, Branches and ordinary members to each meet their obligations in order to support the work of the Party in the spirit of Self-Reliance,” he told party members.
The BDP leader reminded the members that membership subscriptions are required annually in order for one to be considered a member in good standing. He said: “Over and above that, we have set up a campaign fund that requires Ward to contribute monthly. Your compliance and that of all other Madomi will enable the Party to function. It is your Party, own it.”
He revealed that they have began a process of Party property appraisal. As many of you are aware, the Party owns several assets including land and plots across the country, he said, adding that regrettably, in the past they haven’t prioritised developing these plots to maximise their value. The BDP President announced the appointment of a Central Committee Task Team aimed at improving this. This team, he said will collaborate with all Party structures nationwide to create a comprehensive record of their assets and identify strategies for maximising their value.
Balopi told the party retreat that all around the country there are constituencies that have always been known as traditional BDP strongholds. “We are indeed a national Party and we have a footprint everywhere. Nevertheless, there are certain constituencies that we have always known that we are almost, if not certainly, guaranteed to win, and onto which we would then add others as we consolidated the numbers to win state power,” he said.
He acknowledged that unfortunately, their base has been eroded and there are now only two constituencies that have never been won by any other Party but BDP – being Thamaga-Kumakwane and Moshupa-Manyana. 'We must now tactfully and aggressively target to reclaim all our other traditional strongholds by building back our relations with them,' he declared.