05 Nov 2025

The Alliance for Progressives (AP) has strengthened its ranks in Molepolole South with the high-profile defection of several prominent Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) leaders.

The new members were officially welcomed during a press briefing held in Molepolole on Thursday.

The group, described by AP leadership as ‘big fish,’ includes Mr Jeffrey      Sibisibi (former Kweneng District Council Chairperson and BALA President), Mr Slumber Mokgosi (former Kweneng District Council Deputy Chairperson and Lephaleng ward councillor), Mr Poloko Motlhobogwa (long-serving Sebele ward councillor), and Ms Keamogetse Keikanne (former Mokgopeetsane ward councillor).

AP Chairman and Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Retired Major General Pius Mokgware, said the development signaled the party’s strengthened presence in Molepolole South. 

He added that over 300 new members have joined since January, which is expected to enhance the party’s ability to mobilise support, increase voter turnout and demonstrate growing influence for both the AP and the UDC coalition.

“This is not just about numbers. It is evidence that Batswana still believe in the UDC’s leadership. We are committed to delivering on our promises and advancing our mission to build a just, progressive, and people-centered government,” said Maj. Gen. Mokgware. 

He said new and recent members will be officially welcomed at a mass rally in March next year.

AP Secretary General Dr Phenyo Butale said party growth required expanding membership and including experienced leaders.

“We are welcoming leaders who bring with them knowledge, capacity, and the desire to contribute to national solutions,” he said.

He further stated that the AP remained a stable, peaceful, and progressive movement where every voice was respected and valued.

Mr Butale also said new members were not placed on probation. 

He noted that all who join get full membership and equal rights immediately.

Mr Sibisibi, speaking on behalf of the new recruits, said that leaving the BDP was a difficult decision. 

They consulted widely and assessed various parties before choosing AP, whose values aligned with theirs.

“We did not rush. We studied policies and leadership. 

We chose AP because it puts the people’s interests first,” Mr Sibisibi said. 

He added they aimed to follow the AP constitution and build grassroots structures.

Mr Mokgosi said they were joining out of commitment, not curiosity. 

He added that they had come to stay, support the leadership and build the organisation

Mr Motlhobogwa said many of their supporters also wanted to join AP and would be presented at the upcoming rally.

AP leadership said the recruitment drive aimed to consolidate the party’s influence in key constituencies. ENDS