In 2019, a new political voice emerged in Botswana, one that would shift the country’s political landscape and challenge the long-held dominance of traditional powerhouses. That voice was the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF). What started as a small, focused movement quickly grew into a party with national relevance. By the end of its first general election in 2019, the BPF had done what many thought was impossible: it won three seats in the National Assembly. In doing so, it gave hope to many citizens who felt politically marginalized or unheard.
Fast forward to the 2024 general elections, and the BPF made further progress by increasing its seats to five. This growth may seem modest in numbers, but in Botswana's political context, it was significant. It signaled that the BPF was no longer just a “regional protest party” or a short-term project- it was becoming a lasting part of the country’s democratic landscape. But with growth comes new challenges. And today, in 2025, the BPF finds itself at a critical crossroads, one that will shape its future for years to come.
No honest reflection on the BPF’s journey can leave out the towering role of Former President Ia n Khama. As the founding patron of the party, his leadership, influence, and courage helped lay the foundation on which the BPF was built. His decision to break away from the ruling party and support the formation of the BPF was not made lightly. It came at a time when many Batswana were growing concerned about issues of governance, fairness, and the direction the country was taking. Former President Khama gave the BPF more than a name, he gave it weight, direction, and national attention. He inspired many who were previously politically inactive to engage, organize, and vote for change. His presence during the 2019 and 2024 elections played a critical role in helping opposition parties challenge the status quo and promote democratic competition in Botswana.
However, Former President Khama’s political involvement came at a personal cost. Facing constant harassment, intimidation, and threats to his safety and that of his family, he was forced to leave the country not by choice, but by circumstances that no leader or citizen should ever face.
These challenges came not from the people, but from the leadership of the immediate past administration. Despite these difficult conditions, he continued to support the BPF from afar and championed the cause of democracy. Today, he has made a decision to step back from active politics to focus fully on his royal duties as a leader of the BaMangwato tribe. His return to Serowe to serve his community in a traditional leadership role marks a new chapter and one that deserves the respect of all Batswana and the world.
The BPF, and indeed the nation, owe him a deep debt of gratitude. His commitment to political freedom, to peaceful opposition, and to a more accountable government played a vital role in shapi ng the political conversation in Botswana over the last years. The party's growth and continued relevance would not have been possible without his contribution.
With him having stepped aside, the BPF now enters a new phase, one where the party must stand on its own and be guided by a new generation of leadership. This new chapter begins in 1st Nov ember 2025, when the BPF will hold its long-awaited National Elective Congress in Serowe- the party’s birthplace and strong hold. This congress will not just be a procedural meeting to elect leaders; it will be a defining moment, a test of whether the BPF can transition from a party shaped by one man’s legacy to one led by shared vision, unity, and long-term purpose.
At this congress, delegates from across the country will gather to choose new national leaders, debate policy directions, and shape the future of the movement. The decisions made in Serowe will impact everything from how the BPF presents itself to voters, to how it competes in future elections, to whether it survives and thrives, or fractures under pressure. There is much at stake.
For the BPF to survive and succeed, it must become more than just a political brand it must become an institution. That means building strong internal structures,
encouraging debate without division, and attracting new voices especially women, youth, and professionals into its leadership.
There are still those who question whether the BPF can live beyond our former patron's shadow. But this question should not scare fellow Patriots- it should inspire us. Great movements are those that grow from their roots, deepen their reach, and mature into self-sustaining institutions. That is the path the BPF must now walk. Unity must be the guiding principle. Internal rivalries and personality clashes will only weaken the party at a time when unity is most needed. Progress must be the goal, not just for the party, but for the people it hopes to serve. And victory in elections and in the hearts of Batswana will only come if the party remains grounded in the needs of ordinary citizens.
This moment calls for responsible leadership, open dialogue, and shared vision. It is time for every BPF member, supporter, and sympathizer to rise above factionalism and think about the bigger picture and not just winning votes, but building a better Botswana. As the Botswana Patriotic Fro nt approaches its most important congress yet, the message to its members and the nation is clear: This is the moment to come together, to grow beyond personalities, and to strengthen democratic institutions. This is the moment to honor the past; including the immense contributions of Former President Khama while boldly shaping the future.
The journey from 2019 to now has not been easy, but it has been meaningful. And with the right leadership, grounded in the values of unity, progress, and victory, the BPF can continue to be a vital force in Botswana’s democracy not just as an opposition party, but as a serious alternative for national leadership. Serowe 2025 is more than just a congress, it is a choice between the past and the future, between fragmentation and focus, between potential and purpose. May the party cho ose wisely and may BPF be the ultimate winner.
Fast forward to the 2024 general elections, and the BPF made further progress by increasing its seats to five. This growth may seem modest in numbers, but in Botswana's political context, it was significant. It signaled that the BPF was no longer just a “regional protest party” or a short-term project- it was becoming a lasting part of the country’s democratic landscape. But with growth comes new challenges. And today, in 2025, the BPF finds itself at a critical crossroads, one that will shape its future for years to come.
No honest reflection on the BPF’s journey can leave out the towering role of Former President Ia n Khama. As the founding patron of the party, his leadership, influence, and courage helped lay the foundation on which the BPF was built. His decision to break away from the ruling party and support the formation of the BPF was not made lightly. It came at a time when many Batswana were growing concerned about issues of governance, fairness, and the direction the country was taking. Former President Khama gave the BPF more than a name, he gave it weight, direction, and national attention. He inspired many who were previously politically inactive to engage, organize, and vote for change. His presence during the 2019 and 2024 elections played a critical role in helping opposition parties challenge the status quo and promote democratic competition in Botswana.
However, Former President Khama’s political involvement came at a personal cost. Facing constant harassment, intimidation, and threats to his safety and that of his family, he was forced to leave the country not by choice, but by circumstances that no leader or citizen should ever face.
These challenges came not from the people, but from the leadership of the immediate past administration. Despite these difficult conditions, he continued to support the BPF from afar and championed the cause of democracy. Today, he has made a decision to step back from active politics to focus fully on his royal duties as a leader of the BaMangwato tribe. His return to Serowe to serve his community in a traditional leadership role marks a new chapter and one that deserves the respect of all Batswana and the world.
The BPF, and indeed the nation, owe him a deep debt of gratitude. His commitment to political freedom, to peaceful opposition, and to a more accountable government played a vital role in shapi ng the political conversation in Botswana over the last years. The party's growth and continued relevance would not have been possible without his contribution.
With him having stepped aside, the BPF now enters a new phase, one where the party must stand on its own and be guided by a new generation of leadership. This new chapter begins in 1st Nov ember 2025, when the BPF will hold its long-awaited National Elective Congress in Serowe- the party’s birthplace and strong hold. This congress will not just be a procedural meeting to elect leaders; it will be a defining moment, a test of whether the BPF can transition from a party shaped by one man’s legacy to one led by shared vision, unity, and long-term purpose.
At this congress, delegates from across the country will gather to choose new national leaders, debate policy directions, and shape the future of the movement. The decisions made in Serowe will impact everything from how the BPF presents itself to voters, to how it competes in future elections, to whether it survives and thrives, or fractures under pressure. There is much at stake.
For the BPF to survive and succeed, it must become more than just a political brand it must become an institution. That means building strong internal structures,
encouraging debate without division, and attracting new voices especially women, youth, and professionals into its leadership.
There are still those who question whether the BPF can live beyond our former patron's shadow. But this question should not scare fellow Patriots- it should inspire us. Great movements are those that grow from their roots, deepen their reach, and mature into self-sustaining institutions. That is the path the BPF must now walk. Unity must be the guiding principle. Internal rivalries and personality clashes will only weaken the party at a time when unity is most needed. Progress must be the goal, not just for the party, but for the people it hopes to serve. And victory in elections and in the hearts of Batswana will only come if the party remains grounded in the needs of ordinary citizens.
This moment calls for responsible leadership, open dialogue, and shared vision. It is time for every BPF member, supporter, and sympathizer to rise above factionalism and think about the bigger picture and not just winning votes, but building a better Botswana. As the Botswana Patriotic Fro nt approaches its most important congress yet, the message to its members and the nation is clear: This is the moment to come together, to grow beyond personalities, and to strengthen democratic institutions. This is the moment to honor the past; including the immense contributions of Former President Khama while boldly shaping the future.
The journey from 2019 to now has not been easy, but it has been meaningful. And with the right leadership, grounded in the values of unity, progress, and victory, the BPF can continue to be a vital force in Botswana’s democracy not just as an opposition party, but as a serious alternative for national leadership. Serowe 2025 is more than just a congress, it is a choice between the past and the future, between fragmentation and focus, between potential and purpose. May the party cho ose wisely and may BPF be the ultimate winner.
