* Retraces his steps to NARDI *President Masisi agreed to release him from Secretary General with immediate effect
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape, has stepped down from his role as Secretary General of the opposition Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Kwape is now back with the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI), where he resumed work on Tuesday. Kwape reportedly sought permission from BDP President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi to be released from his position, which Masisi has granted.
Previously, Kwape served as Member of Parliament for Kanye West during the 12th Parliament (2019–2024). He had taken a leave of absence from his professional duties to pursue a political career.
At the time, he was employed as a researcher on health and lifestyle at the National Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC), where he is expected to continue his research.
According to reliable sources, Dr Kwape was expected to return to his office in his home village of Kanye much earlier. However, he requested an extension to complete the handover of his ministerial duties to the new Minister, Dr Phenyo Butale.
While Kwape will no longer be active on a daily basis in the party, he remains a member of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
With only a few months remaining before the elective congress, which could result in an entirely new Central Committee, it is uncertain whether the BDP will appoint an interim Secretary General.
In an interview with the Botswana Guardian, Kwape confirmed his decision to return to work, stating that he took a leave of absence in 2019 to assume political office for five years.
“Following the conclusion of the 12th Parliament and our inability to form a government, I had to return to work in November 2024.
“Due to commitments within the party and the handover process in government, I requested additional time. I have since asked the party to release me from the Central Committee, and I have commenced work at NARDI."
"I will continue my research on health and lifestyle, the work I was previously engaged in when the organisation was known as NFTRC," Dr Kwape said.
Kwape is now back with the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI), where he resumed work on Tuesday. Kwape reportedly sought permission from BDP President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi to be released from his position, which Masisi has granted.
Previously, Kwape served as Member of Parliament for Kanye West during the 12th Parliament (2019–2024). He had taken a leave of absence from his professional duties to pursue a political career.
At the time, he was employed as a researcher on health and lifestyle at the National Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC), where he is expected to continue his research.
According to reliable sources, Dr Kwape was expected to return to his office in his home village of Kanye much earlier. However, he requested an extension to complete the handover of his ministerial duties to the new Minister, Dr Phenyo Butale.
While Kwape will no longer be active on a daily basis in the party, he remains a member of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
With only a few months remaining before the elective congress, which could result in an entirely new Central Committee, it is uncertain whether the BDP will appoint an interim Secretary General.
In an interview with the Botswana Guardian, Kwape confirmed his decision to return to work, stating that he took a leave of absence in 2019 to assume political office for five years.
“Following the conclusion of the 12th Parliament and our inability to form a government, I had to return to work in November 2024.
“Due to commitments within the party and the handover process in government, I requested additional time. I have since asked the party to release me from the Central Committee, and I have commenced work at NARDI."
"I will continue my research on health and lifestyle, the work I was previously engaged in when the organisation was known as NFTRC," Dr Kwape said.
