The second coming of Guma
Political heavyweight, businessman-cum-politician Samson Moyo Guma has already set tongues wagging within the opposition Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) concerning his membership reinstatement.
Guma has been both controversial and influential in the political landscape of the country and has shaped both ruling and opposition politics of the country.
Guma is not returning to the BDP for the first time. This is his second return. The difference is that this time around he did not make any application but received a letter from the party President Mpho Balopi indicating that there
are no records showing that he ever resigned from the BDP.
Guma previously left his Assistant Ministerial portfolio and Chairmanship of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Central Committee.
Subsequently, he left the BDP on his own in 2010 to form the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and returned to the ruling party two years later.
He left the party again in 2019 and eventually the country the following year. He then joined the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), from which he resigned in March 2023.
He has played a significant role among other leaders in making BMD one of the forces to reckon with in the opposition space. Just like with the BMD, Guma left the BPF and the BDP when tensions and tempers were high, especially at the leadership level.
In most instances, he was accused of planning coups, eyeing the presidency of the party at that particular moment.
However, those close to him have always revealed that because of his hard work, attachment with the foot soldiers and his organising prowess, Guma has been a threat to many at the top as they feared his influence.
Now his return to the BDP has once again got some members agitated, with some challenging his membership standing. This, according to sources, has caused tensions among members and other key figures.
Some within the party believe Guma’s return could amplify the BDP’s ongoing attempts to redeem itself as it prepares to try to wrestle back state power from the Umbrella for Democratic Change.
Balopi is currently trying to rebuild the party following its devastating loss during the 2024 national polls. Balopi has indicated that he wants to rebuild the party and its structures by first reconciling those who were wronged and returning every member who left to the party.
It is a known fact that Guma had a fallout with the former Presidents of the BDP - Ian Khama and Mokgweetsi Masisi.
While Guma’s letter was written on the 15th October 2025, and at the time he reportedly rejected it, news broke out late last week about the membership restoration that he is now back at the BDP.
It emerged that Guma had made a decision to return to the party and could soon be participating fully in party activities.
In the letter, Balopi stated that upon assuming office, he directed the party office to look for all correspondence and records of party members who had either been suspended or expelled.
He stated that Guma’s specific case is evident in that he has never submitted a resignation from the party as envisaged under Article 9 of the BDP Constitution and he has never surrendered his membership.
“In view of the foregoing, I am pleased to inform you that your full membership rights are hereby restored and you may exercise them as you wish in line with the BDP Constitution,” Balopi said in the letter.
This publication has established that the restoration has sparked debates among BDP members, especially on their various social media platforms.
Some members have questioned the rationale behind Balopi’s decision, arguing that it could overturn the possible fortunes of the party, while others argue that this is the time when the polarised BDP needs political figures like Guma.
The debates have further caused tensions with other BDP members, questioning whether fellow democrats are questioning the integrity of the party president and his decisions.
Balopi is allegedly facing a political storm behind the scenes that threatens his presidency ahead of the party’s National Congress expected next year.
While the central committee has dismissed the threat, indications are that there are some elements within the party that are planning his ousting at the next congress.
Balopi assumed the seat when the BDP was fragile, and many distanced themselves from being politically active after the election defeat.
Guma has acknowledged receiving the letter but declined to comment further, indicating that the letter speaks for itself insofar as his membership is concerned.