Democrats decisively boot out Masisi loyalists in Maun showdown
The just-ended Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) congress in Maun served as a political reckoning, a cleansing of sorts, as delegates decisively voted out key allies of outgoing Party President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The congress, which also marked Masisi’s final appearance as party leader, was a pivotal turning point for the BDP, which is still reeling from its historic electoral defeat in 2024.
Among the casualties was former Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, who garnered only 60 votes in his bid for the party presidency.
Former Minister of State President, Kabo Morwaeng, lost his contest for Secretary General, narrowly edged out with 212 votes against the winning candidate, Nchi Rammidi’s 267. Kefentse Mzwinila also failed to secure a position.
In a twist of irony, Karabo Gare, considered Masisi’s golden boy, was reportedly cast aside by Masisi in favour of Mzwinila just days before the elections.
Only Gare and Kagiso Mmusi remain survivors from Masisi’s inner Cabinet circle following the party’s bruising loss.
Despite the setbacks, Tsogwane struck a conciliatory tone, urging members to remain united and to “come back stronger from what we have suffered through.”
Morwaeng, visibly emotional, accepted the results with grace.
“This is democracy. There are winners and losers,” he said. “I gave it my best, and democrats have made a decision.”
He reiterated his commitment to the BDP, promising to serve in whatever capacity the party deploys him.
In the closing moments of his keynote address, Masisi issued a passionate and direct appeal to every democrat across the country.
Speaking as party president for the last time, he urged members to remain engaged at all levels.
“Unity is not an abstract slogan,” he said. “It is the practical alignment of effort towards a common purpose.”
He stressed that the future of both the BDP and the nation rests on the commitment of every supporter, whether as local organisers, mentors, or information sharers in their communities.
He acknowledged that transformation was necessary to meet the demands of the digital age and climate adaptation, but warned the party never to lose its ideological core.
Offering heartfelt thanks to his family, colleagues, grassroots organisers, youth, and women leaders, Masisi paid special tribute to the late Sir Ketumile Masire and veteran stalwart Satar Dada for their wisdom and service.
Although stepping down as party president, Masisi is not retreating from public life, but is returning to the Moshupa branch to continue his service from the ground up.
“We have been tested before, and we have risen before,” he vowed.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Masisi emphasised the values that have sustained the BDP for 63 years—democracy, development, self-reliance, unity and botho.
He urged party members to stay united and disciplined as they move forward, reminding them that leadership is a responsibility that must be passed on with integrity and respect.
“As I speak to you for the last time as your party president, I feel proud and responsible,” Masisi said.
He encouraged the new leaders to continue the work with the same values and dedication.
On his achievements as president, Masisi mentioned that his government worked hard to improve the public service, make institutions stronger, and increase transparency.
He said these changes helped to rebuild trust between the government and the people. He was especially proud of the progress in making government hiring fairer and cleaning up the way
government contracts are given out.
“We made sure that institutions are not only independent but also able to do their work well,” he said. “We focused on honesty and accountability because serving the public is a duty, not a privilege.”
Masisi also admitted that leading the party was not always easy. He spoke openly about problems within the BDP, especially disagreements between members.
He warned that fighting among themselves would only make the party weak in the eyes of the public.
“People of Botswana are watching us. If we are not united, they will not trust us to lead the country,” he warned.
Masisi reminded BDP members that unity is not only important for the party but for the whole nation. He encouraged them to put the party’s principles before their own personal ambitions and to choose new leaders who will build on the BDP’s strong legacy.
Masisi stressed the importance of staying connected to ordinary people, urging the BDP to continue listening to the voices of youth and women.
He pointed out that the world is changing, and Botswana needs leaders who understand these changes.
He said it’s time to focus on new areas like technology, agriculture, and green energy to create more jobs and improve the economy.
“We must not just help young people participate in the economy, we must prepare them to lead it,” he said.
He said government had invested a lot in education, digital skills, and youth businesses to help young people succeed.
Masisi’s speech also included personal thoughts. He spoke about the weight of leading a party and a country.
“I have served you with commitment and conviction,” he said. “But leadership is not something you hold onto forever. It is a trust that must be passed on.”
As he stepped down, Masisi reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and warned against threats such as populism and misinformation.
"We must not fall for empty promises. We must protect what we have built together," he declared.
Masisi said that although he is stepping down, the work of building the nation and the party must continue.
He urged the BDP to stay united, focused, and true to its values.
The congress, which also marked Masisi’s final appearance as party leader, was a pivotal turning point for the BDP, which is still reeling from its historic electoral defeat in 2024.
Among the casualties was former Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, who garnered only 60 votes in his bid for the party presidency.
Former Minister of State President, Kabo Morwaeng, lost his contest for Secretary General, narrowly edged out with 212 votes against the winning candidate, Nchi Rammidi’s 267. Kefentse Mzwinila also failed to secure a position.
In a twist of irony, Karabo Gare, considered Masisi’s golden boy, was reportedly cast aside by Masisi in favour of Mzwinila just days before the elections.
Only Gare and Kagiso Mmusi remain survivors from Masisi’s inner Cabinet circle following the party’s bruising loss.
Despite the setbacks, Tsogwane struck a conciliatory tone, urging members to remain united and to “come back stronger from what we have suffered through.”
Morwaeng, visibly emotional, accepted the results with grace.
“This is democracy. There are winners and losers,” he said. “I gave it my best, and democrats have made a decision.”
He reiterated his commitment to the BDP, promising to serve in whatever capacity the party deploys him.
In the closing moments of his keynote address, Masisi issued a passionate and direct appeal to every democrat across the country.
Speaking as party president for the last time, he urged members to remain engaged at all levels.
“Unity is not an abstract slogan,” he said. “It is the practical alignment of effort towards a common purpose.”
He stressed that the future of both the BDP and the nation rests on the commitment of every supporter, whether as local organisers, mentors, or information sharers in their communities.
He acknowledged that transformation was necessary to meet the demands of the digital age and climate adaptation, but warned the party never to lose its ideological core.
Offering heartfelt thanks to his family, colleagues, grassroots organisers, youth, and women leaders, Masisi paid special tribute to the late Sir Ketumile Masire and veteran stalwart Satar Dada for their wisdom and service.
Although stepping down as party president, Masisi is not retreating from public life, but is returning to the Moshupa branch to continue his service from the ground up.
“We have been tested before, and we have risen before,” he vowed.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Masisi emphasised the values that have sustained the BDP for 63 years—democracy, development, self-reliance, unity and botho.
He urged party members to stay united and disciplined as they move forward, reminding them that leadership is a responsibility that must be passed on with integrity and respect.
“As I speak to you for the last time as your party president, I feel proud and responsible,” Masisi said.
He encouraged the new leaders to continue the work with the same values and dedication.
On his achievements as president, Masisi mentioned that his government worked hard to improve the public service, make institutions stronger, and increase transparency.
He said these changes helped to rebuild trust between the government and the people. He was especially proud of the progress in making government hiring fairer and cleaning up the way
government contracts are given out.
“We made sure that institutions are not only independent but also able to do their work well,” he said. “We focused on honesty and accountability because serving the public is a duty, not a privilege.”
Masisi also admitted that leading the party was not always easy. He spoke openly about problems within the BDP, especially disagreements between members.
He warned that fighting among themselves would only make the party weak in the eyes of the public.
“People of Botswana are watching us. If we are not united, they will not trust us to lead the country,” he warned.
Masisi reminded BDP members that unity is not only important for the party but for the whole nation. He encouraged them to put the party’s principles before their own personal ambitions and to choose new leaders who will build on the BDP’s strong legacy.
Masisi stressed the importance of staying connected to ordinary people, urging the BDP to continue listening to the voices of youth and women.
He pointed out that the world is changing, and Botswana needs leaders who understand these changes.
He said it’s time to focus on new areas like technology, agriculture, and green energy to create more jobs and improve the economy.
“We must not just help young people participate in the economy, we must prepare them to lead it,” he said.
He said government had invested a lot in education, digital skills, and youth businesses to help young people succeed.
Masisi’s speech also included personal thoughts. He spoke about the weight of leading a party and a country.
“I have served you with commitment and conviction,” he said. “But leadership is not something you hold onto forever. It is a trust that must be passed on.”
As he stepped down, Masisi reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and warned against threats such as populism and misinformation.
"We must not fall for empty promises. We must protect what we have built together," he declared.
Masisi said that although he is stepping down, the work of building the nation and the party must continue.
He urged the BDP to stay united, focused, and true to its values.
