01 Sep 2025

The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) convened for its first ever national conference at Kwena Sereto Junior Secondary School in Molepolole on August 30.

In his keynote address, party President Mr Mephato Reatile said the day transcended mere meetings on their calendar. “It is a moment of destiny. A time when the party united with a bold movement that dares to dream, act and transform Botswana,” he said.

Mr Reatile said the conference was a celebration of courage.  “We do not merely gather in halls and rooms, we gather in spirit, in purpose, and in vision, united by a cause far greater conviction, and collective action. A milestone that signals the beginning of a new political dawn in Botswana, a dawn where the voices of ordinary citizens, our women, our youth, our communities are not only heard but respected represented, and empowered,” he said.

Mr Reatile added that the day also marked the inaugural BPF Women and Youth League congresses. He emphasised that the day embraced a call to action, to recognise that the future belonged to those who stepped forward, who served the party selflessly and who embraced the responsibilities of leadership.

“It is a declaration that BPF will empower, uplift, and mobilise. And most importantly, it is a celebration of the courage and sacrifice of those who have carried this party through challenging times, laying the foundation of what we build together today," he said.

Mr Reatile further said since the launch of the party in July 2019, they had encountered challenges that might had overwhelmed smaller movements but they made the party stronger, resolute and more united than ever.

“Our growth is remarkable; from a modest four per cent in our early days to over eight per cent in the national vote, as reflected in the October 2024 general election. This is not merely a statistic, it is the voice of the people, echoing our message of hope, change, and empowerment.” 

Mr Reatile said this extraordinary progress was a testament to the dedication, sacrifice, and relentless commitment of every single member of BPF. He pointed out that the reason their party’s share had doubled was because of the unwavering courage, tireless efforts and selfless devotion of patriots.

“Patriots, it is your sacrifice and resilience that have turned vision into reality, proving that a movement guided by principle, unity, and passion can overcome every obstacle and rise to the occasion,” Mr Reatile said.

He also recognised the campaigners, volunteers, those who faced legal battles and not deterring them from serving the people and advancing the BPF’s mission as well as the five Members of Parliament and numerous councillors, some of whom has been entrusted with ministerial responsibilities in the new government.

He however, reminded them to take heed of their responsibilities. “To our elected councilors and Members of Parliament, I remind you once more of the solemn promise you made to serve the people diligently, with humility and dedication. Now that you have the seats, do not be intoxicated by power, do not sink into greed, insolence, ignorance, or pride.

“Be warned, and I say this with the full weight of the people’s mandate. It is the people who put you there, and it is the people who will remove you. Betrayal of trust will not be tolerated. Increase your diligence, rise above self-interest, and remember, your position is not a throne, it is a duty. Those who choose arrogance over service will fall,” he said.

The conference ran concurrently with the youth league and women’s league congress. Speaking in an interview, the party Secretary General, Mr Lawrence Ookeditse said he was happy with the turn out of the conference and it was worth noting that some members were still recovering from the past general elections. ENDS