25 Aug 2025

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) entourage, led by the party’s leader, Mr Mpho Balopi, traveled to Serowe on Saturday to extend an official apology to Kgosi Khama IV and the GaMmangwato tribe for issues arising from the party’s past tenure in government.

Mr Balopi conveyed the apology, acknowledging that the BDP, as the former ruling party, had caused trouble for Kgosi Khama IV and his tribe. He recounted incidents of discord that led to Khama IV’s three-year exile and prevented him from participating in the burial of his elder sister.

Highlighting the nation’s foundational values of peace, tolerance, and dialogue, Mr Balopi expressed regret that Botswana’s society had been caught in a predicament caused by the previous government. He pointed out that the tribe and their Kgosi experienced unrest within their own territory, losing authority over their people, and facing restrictions on kgotla proceedings without consultation.

He further lamented the doubts cast on Khama IV’s legitimacy of ascension to the Bogosi, emphasising that such attitudes were shameful and unbecoming of Batswana’s character. 

Urging reconciliation, Mr Balopi stressed the importance of restoring principles of Botho, peace, dialogue, and freedom of expression. He assured Bangwato that the BDP accepted responsibility for the wrongs inflicted upon them and their Kgosi and committed to preventing such issues from recurring.

Former Member of Parliament Mr Daniel Kwelagobe echoed these sentiments, expressing regret over grievances caused by the previous government. He emphasised that infringements on the people’s rights to association and expression were unacceptable, calling for harmony, peace, and reconciliation between the BDP and the GaMmangwato.

Khama IV acknowledged the BDP’s effort to apologise, but noted that involving all individuals from the former regime would have demonstrated a more genuine gesture. 

He added that he would consult with his tribe before accepting the apology and promised to provide feedback accordingly, saying it was important that he sought  input from his people, who also endured hardships under the previous administration.

He said blamed the former BDP-led administration the current economic woes and the ongoing shortage of medicine in health facilities, adding that they owe an apology to the country for that. 

He noted that fabricated cases resulting in arrests and victimisation of individuals for their association with those the former government disapproved of created a burdensome situation they now face, warning that this must never happen again. 

He also urged for former president Dr Mokgweetsi  Masisi’s removal from the BDP, because he was responsible for the party’s significant defeat in the national elections.

Nonetheless, Khama IV expressed that he was now a Kgosi and should not be dragged into politics, stating his desire to be excluded from politics and to focus on Bogosi and nation-building activities instead. 

Additionally, he urged that peace and order should be a priority for everyone as it was through them that true reconciliation would be achieved.

Comments from the tribe urged former President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi to visit Serowe and apologise, with speakers noting that he had wronged both their Kgosi, his family, as well as the Bangwato community during his time in office. They similar also urged for Mr Masisi’s removal from the BDP. ENDS