20 Jul 2026

Botswana Congress Party (BCP) president Mr Dumelang Saleshando says the party’s elective congress comes at a time when the average Motswana’s purchasing power has been significantly eroded, making it imperative for the party to offer practical solutions to the country’s socio-economic challenges.

Officially opening the congress at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School today, Mr Saleshando said many Batswana were grappling with the rising cost of living, unemployment and declining household incomes, adding that the party remained committed to advancing policies aimed at improving citizens' livelihoods.

The congress brought together members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of sister political parties from across Africa.

Among the regional delegates were representatives from Lesotho Action Party and Namibia’s Independent Patriots Party, represented by Ms Christine Esperanza.

Addressing delegates, Ms Esperanza called for stronger relations among political parties across the Southern African Development Community, saying the next generation of political leaders should know one another and work together to advance democracy, regional cooperation and shared development.

Mozambique opposition leader, Mr Venâncio Mondlane also addressed the gathering, appealing to Batswana to help publicise the human rights violations that he said his party and supporters continued to face in Mozambique.

He urged the people of Botswana and the international community to amplify awareness of the situation, saying greater regional and international attention was essential in promoting democracy, justice and the protection of fundamental human rights in his country.

The elective congress is expected to elect the party’s leadership and set the BCP’s strategic priorities as it prepares for future political engagements. ENDS