BNF WOMEN DECIDE

The Women’s League of the Botswana National Front (BNF) is preparing for its much-anticipated Elective Congress this coming Saturday, April 26, set for Letlhakane Senior Secondary School.Held under the theme ‘Breaking Barriers, Creating Opportunities – The Power of Her,’ the congress will gather hundreds of women from across the country, to shape the future of the BNF Women’s Wing.More than just a meeting, the congress is also a moment of reflection, renewal, and decision. At its heart is the contest for the presidency of the Women’s League.Katlego Morolong currently holds the fort and wants another term. Her challenger, Cinderella Molome, is a new but determined face aiming to bring change, unity, and a fresh energy to the league.The keynote address will be given by the country’s President and BNF leader, Duma Boko.Morolong’s journey in politics started early. She was just 22 years old when she first got involved, inspired by a family history steeped in BNF values.“I was born into a BNF household. My grandmother is a BNF veteran. This is the only political home I have ever known,” she says.Now in her early 30s, Morolong believes she has more to offer, and insists that her decision to run again was not personal, but a response to BNF women who believe in her leadership.“They told me they still need my leadership. I couldn’t say no.”Her campaign focuses on training women leaders, empowering rural women, and lobbying for gender-friendly party reforms.She is passionate about reaching out to women in remote areas, helping them understand their rights and available opportunities.“Women in rural communities face challenges many people overlook, lack of education, poor access to services, and no support. I want to change that,” she says.If elected, Morolong promises to work with partners to sponsor leadership training and scholarships for women, push the party to allocate specific constituencies for female candidates, and run mentorship and capacity-building programmes across all regions.She will also partner with national women’s organisations once the party’s congress season concludes. “There is so much we can do together once the leadership is in place,” she adds.Morolong’s leadership style is shaped by compassion and service. She draws inspiration from President Boko, as well as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Tshireletso Koee, both women known for their courage and commitment.“I want to be remembered as someone who served BNF women with heart,” she says. “Someone who stood firm, even when the journey was tough.”On the other hand, Cinderella Monica Molome, an accountant and long-time political activist, is stepping forward with bold ideas and a strong call for change.With deep roots in the BNF, her father, Harry Mothei, worked alongside the late Kenneth Koma. Politics runs in her blood.From a young age, Molome was involved in grassroots campaigns, often walking door-to-door with her father to mobilise support.“I learned from the best,” she says. “Politics was never far from our home.”Her work in Shoshong Constituency and community projects such as an annual academic excellence award in Kalamare show her belief in action and service.“Every child deserves to believe that education can change their life,” she says.Molome is contesting the presidency to challenge outdated beliefs and push for serious reforms. “We must unlearn the idea that politics is only for men. We belong at the decision-making table,” she insists.If elected, Molome plans to draft a formal constitution for the Women’s League, set up strong structures in all regions, offer political education, leadership training, and economic empowerment programmes and campaign for a 30 percent quota for women, youth, and people with disabilities in BNF leadership.She hopes to bring in international partners, especially from countries like South Africa and Sweden, to learn from successful women’s movements. “We must grow, learn, and rise together.”For Molome, this campaign is about building solidarity among women, especially those who feel unheard. “We must return to our roots; grassroots activism, political education, and collective strength.”Both Morolong and Molome agree on one thing - the league must become stronger, united, and more visible.Beyond the presidency, delegates will also elect other executive members to serve alongside the new leader.Topics on the table include increasing women’s participation in politics, pushing for gender equality within the party, and setting up programmes to economically uplift women across the country.

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BNF WOMEN DECIDE