BDP'S DO OR DIE WEEKEND HERE

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is approaching a historic and decisive moment in its long political journey.For the first time since its formation in 1962, the BDP will go to its national congress not as the ruling party, but as the minority opposition in the National Assembly.This unprecedented reality follows its loss in the 2024 general elections, ending a 58-year reign that has defined Botswana's post-independence governance.The upcoming congress is hailed as a "do or die" event. It is a crossroads at which the BDP must either renew itself with fresh leadership and vision or risk fading further into irrelevance.Four men are contesting the party's presidency: veteran politicians Slumber Tsogwane, Nonofo Molefhi, and Mpho Balopi, joined by the youthful reformist, Ame Makoba.Each candidate brings a unique history, ideology, and campaign message that could redefine the BDP’s future.Mpho Balopi: A Legacy of Service, a Vision for ReformMpho Balopi, former Member of Parliament for Gaborone North, is no stranger to the corridors of power. Having held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Employment, LabourProductivity and Skills Development, Balopi is widely known for his central role in the BDP’s modernisation.Once a key ally to President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Balopi helped steer the party through the turbulent post-Ian Khama era. However, his relationship with Masisi soured, culminating in his resignationfrom Cabinet on December 24, 2021.At the time, Balopi said he wanted to focus on his constituency and party responsibilities as Secretary-General. Yet many believed his departure signalled deeper rifts within the party leadership. Now, Balopi returns with a renewed mission to lead.His campaign is anchored by the slogan, "A legacy of service, a vision for reform." He preaches forgiveness, unity, and institutional reform, calling on the BDP to ask for forgiveness from those it may have wronged and to reconnect with the people.In his first press conference as a presidential hopeful, Balopi stressed that the BDP must rebuild the sense of community that once defined it. Central to his vision is a constitutional review to return power to ordinary party members.He believes the BDP’s foundational spirit, people working together, must be revived if the party is to have a future. For those looking to distance the party from Masisi’s troubled legacy, Balopi positions himself as the clean break and the restorer of hope.Nonofo Molefhi: Rebuild, Restore, ReformSeasoned politician Nonofo Molefhi is another contender promising renewal. A former MP for Selebi-Phikwe East since 2004, Molefhi boasts extensive governmental experience, having held key ministerial positions such as Minister of Lands and Housing, Minister of Transport and Communications, and Minister of Presidential Affairs.His political journey also includes serving during the Khama-Masisi transition period, making him no stranger to the party’s internal dynamics.Molefhi previously contested the BDP chairmanship twice, unsuccessfully challenging Masisi in 2017 and Slumber Tsogwane in 2022. Despite these setbacks, he remains a respected elder within theparty, advocating for teamwork and institutional integrity.His campaign revolves around the three Rs: rebuild, restore, and reform. Molefhi draws inspiration from the party’s recent electoral loss, viewing it as a wake-up call to bring back the BDP’s dignity and reconnect with its base.He acknowledges that disillusioned long-time supporters voted for other parties in 2024, a reality he believes must be reversed through trust-building and grassroots development.Molefhi emphasises the importance of nurturing the value of individuals within the party and re-establishing trustworthy structures from the cell to the branch level. He believes that a party tainted by internal corruption sends the wrong message to the electorate.On restoration, Molefhi speaks not only of rebuilding party infrastructure but also of renewing individual character. According to him, a restored party is united, welcoming, and values integrity. He appeals to those who value structure, experience, and long-term party loyalty.Slumber Tsogwane: The ChairpersonSlumber Tsogwane, a stalwart of the BDP, enters the race as both a continuity candidate and a seasoned administrator who has served the BDP in various capacities since his election to Parliament in 1999.His extensive resume includes roles as Assistant Minister of Finance, Minister of Local Government, and, most significantly, Vice President of Botswana from 2018 until the party’s loss in 2024.As BDP Chairman since 2018, Tsogwane has been a central figure in the party’s leadership. His political journey mirrors the party’s trajectory under Masisi’s leadership. While some view him as a steady hand with institutional knowledge, others see him as too closely aligned with the status quo that led to the 2024 electoral downfall.Tsogwane has not yet formally announced his campaign message, but is expected to emphasise continuity, experience, and organisational discipline.His message will resonate with the party faithful who fear abrupt change and prefer gradual reform. However, with a changing political climate and a youth-driven electorate, Tsogwane may need to adjust to appeal beyond the party’s traditional support base.Ame Makoba: The Youthful ReformerIn sharp contrast to his rivals, Ame Makoba represents a new generation of political leadership. A former media personality and government communications official, Makoba has a reputation as a bold thinker and charismatic speaker.He served as Private Secretary to the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Executive Secretary of the BDP, roles that allowed him to closely observe party dynamicsMakoba’s entry into the race has been described as audacious, but timely. His campaign mantra centres on "renew, rejuvenate, and reposition."He argues that the BDP cannot return to voters in 2029 as the same party that was rejected in 2024. To this end, Makoba has publicly declared his assets, positioning himself as a symbol of transparency and accountability. He hopes to challenge the image of the BDP as a party of elites, often perceived as inaccessible and insular.He criticises the party’s internal systems, which stifle growth and discourage fresh leadership. He feels BDP has lost valuable members over the years because it failed to accommodate their aspirations. He envisions an inclusive, transparent, and people-driven party.Makoba believes that a generational shift is desirable and necessary. He says BDP’s loss offers an opportunity for introspection and transformation.If elected, he plans to democratise party operations and empower previously marginalised voices within the movement. For younger members and undecided voters, Makoba’s candidacy presents an exciting alternative to the old guard.

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BDP'S DO OR DIE WEEKEND HERE