BDP'S DO OR DIE WEEKEND HERE

As the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) prepares for its highly anticipated National Elective Congress in Maun on May 10, several key figures have stepped forward to contest critical leadership positions.Candidates are not only vying for power but also offering competing visions for how to revive the party’s fortunes and reconnect with the electorate.THE CHAIRMANSHIP- Dorcas Makgato, a seasoned politician and former diplomat, has entered the race for the BDP Chairperson position with a bold promise to reengineer the party. Motivated by the BDP’s electoral setbacks, Makgato wants to realign the party’s priorities with the evolving needs of Batswana.She proposes a leadership that merges youthful dynamism with seasoned wisdom to create a responsive and inclusive organisation.A long-time advocate for gender parity, Makgato pledges to push for the full adoption of the SADC Protocol on Gender Parity and enhance women’s political participation.She has also committed to strengthening political education, particularly for women, while reforming the party’s constitution to promote accountability.Makgato believes the BDP can rebuild Botswana’s economy, provided it commits to transparency and serious introspection.- Karabo Gare, the Member of Parliament for Moshupa/Manyana and a former cabinet minister, is also running to become party Chairperson. Gare’s campaign is on internal unity, youth empowerment, and strategic communication.Drawing from his executive experience, he aims to strengthen party structures, enhance grassroots mobilisation, and introduce mentorship programmes to foster leadership development within the BDP.Gare’s manifesto includes revamping the party’s digital platforms and ensuring transparent financial practices. He envisions a collaborative BDP that engages with civil society and traditional leaders, and sees the party as a vehicle for economic transformation and inclusive governance.- Dr Kefentse Mzwinila, the former Minister of Lands and Water Affairs and ex-MP for Mmadinare, is another contender for Chairperson. His technocratic and policy-driven approach is expected to appeal to party members looking for stability. With extensive experience in infrastructure development and resource management, Mzwinila offers a leadership style grounded in governance and long-term sustainability. He believes the Chairperson’s role is pivotal in ensuring internal cohesion and preparing the party to function effectively in opposition. Mzwinila has promised to prioritise governance, accountability, and unity during this transitional period, though he did not respond to media questions before press time.SECRETARY GENERAL: Five-Way Battle for Party Rebirth Five candidates in the crowded race for Secretary-General (SG) are competing for what is widely seen as one of the most influential positions in the party's machinery.- Kentse Rammidi, a former BDP Secretary-General and cabinet minister, is seeking a return to his old post. Despite the party’s defeat, Rammidi remains committed and attributes the loss to internal failings, including poor consultation, weakened party culture, and flawed primary elections, which also contributed to his own failed parliamentary bid. Rammidi’s campaign is focused on restoringorder, strengthening organisational structures, and reviving the BDP’s traditional values. With a long political résumé, including positions as Kanye North Youth Committee chairperson, SouthernRegion chair, and Deputy SG, Rammidi brings institutional knowledge and experience.- Kabo Morwaeng, the former Minister for State President, has based his SG campaign on dismantling lobby lists and factionalism, which he believes have historically divided the party. He argues that lobby lists shift decision-making power from the broader membership to a select few lobby leaders, fostering a culture of exclusion and weakening party structures. Citing past experiences such as the 2009 Kanye Congress and the recent Tsabong Congress, Morwaeng contends that lobby lists result in leadership choices driven by patronage rather than merit. He urges democrats to reject this model and instead, vote based on individual competence and vision.- Pelotshweu Baeng, a long-serving BDP member for over 14 years, is currently an additional member of the Central Committee. He previously chaired the Labour and Wellness Sub-Committee. After stepping in following the resignation of SG Kavis Kario, Baeng is now seeking a full mandate to lead. His reformist platform calls for decentralisation, transparency, and a grassroots-driven primary election system. He also proposes the creation of an autonomous disciplinary and appeals board to independently handle electoral disputes. Baeng promises to shift focus from infrastructure to human development and economic recovery while implementing a robust membership management system and annual recognition programme for outstanding members.- Thabo Autlwetse, a 41-year-old Serowe native and long-time party activist, brings a youthful and ideologically driven vision to the SG race. His strategy is based on four core pillars: review, reform, reconnect, and re-energise. Autlwetse rose through the ranks, from student activism to serving as Branch Secretary, National Youth Executive General Secretary, and now North West Regional Vice Chair. He plans to restore the party school under the SG’s office, conduct structural audits, and decentralise power. His leadership style emphasises teamwork, fairness, and discipline, and he strongly advocates for building leadership capacity among youth and women. Autlwetse urges delegates to reject factionalism in favour of ideological renewal that strengthens the party from within.- Dr Derrick Tlhoiwe, a public health specialist and long-time BDP member, completes the SG line-up. Tlhoiwe is campaigning on the platform of unity, integrity, and grassroots engagement. He has emphasised the importance of returning to the BDP’s founding values, advocating for a transparent and people-centred party. He plans to rebuild trust within the organisation and promote inclusive leadership that reflects the party’s diverse membership. Through his campaign materials and social media messaging, Tlhoiwe calls for a renewal of democratic principles and improved communication across all levels of the party, positioning himself as a fresh yet principled voice within the movement.

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BDP'S DO OR DIE WEEKEND HERE