IT IS WELL Motshegwa Bows Out Gracefully After BNF Loss, Urges Unity and Peace
In a heartfelt and philosophical statement following his narrow defeat in the Botswana National Front (BNF) central committee elections, former Secretary General Ketlhalefile Motshegwa has called for peace, unity, and continued belief in the party’s ideals.
Motshegwa, who lost the Secretary General post to Health Minister Dr. Steven Modise by a margin of just 102 votes, addressed his supporters under the “Team Stability and Continuity” banner with a message of gratitude and reflection.
“We contested to win, but the counted results say to us that we lost. While so, I am surprised that I feel at peace more than ever in my life,” Motshegwa wrote. “Don’t be heartbroken, be heart healed.”
His poetic farewell, quoting Emily Dickinson and likening the experience to attending his own funeral, struck a chord with many in the party. “I witnessed those who came, and those who did not come,” he said, adding that the experience had made him “more wiser, more aware.”
Motshegwa has long been regarded as a tireless foot soldier of the BNF, known for his grassroots activism, unionism and unwavering commitment to the party’s principles. However, insiders suggest that his alignment with a faction not favoured by party President Duma Boko may have influenced the outcome. In Botswana’s political tradition, presidential preference often sways voter sentiment, a dynamic that may have played a role in Modise’s victory as insiders say he was backed by the party president.
Despite this, Motshegwa’s message was devoid of bitterness. Instead, he urged supporters to rally behind the newly elected leadership and remain steadfast in their belief in the BNF’s mission.
“Leaders come and go but organisations remain,” he wrote. “Let us be guided not by emotions but hope, perseverance and belief in the future.”
The BNF elections, held over the weekend, saw President Duma Gideon Boko retain his position unopposed. Moeti Caesar Mohwasa was elected Vice President, defeating Ramaotwana Nelson with 1144 votes to 840. Bantsi Moses took the Chairperson role ahead of Masole Tabona, while Nthaile Shawn secured the Deputy Secretary General post over Matomela Joram.
In the Treasurer race, Khan Arafat edged out Letlhogonolo Barongwang, though a recount has been requested and granted. Motsamai Johannes won the Organizing Secretary position with a commanding lead over Kekgatlhegile Corporal.
Joseph Carter emerged victorious in the Information and Publicity portfolio, while Seleka Mompati claimed Political Education. Bashe Happy won Health and Social Welfare, and Lesole Bakang took the International Affairs seat.
Modo Lasten narrowly beat Kebadile Thabiso Shane in the Labour Affairs contest, and Moses Chimbombi clinched Economic Affairs in a close race against De Moss Mokgolele.
As the BNF charts its course toward the next electoral cycle, Motshegwa’s dignified exit and call for harmony may serve as a stabilizing force in a party often marked by internal contestation. His words, “It is well,” echo not just resignation, but resilience.
Whether or not he returns to the political frontlines in the future, Motshegwa’s legacy as a principled campaigner and eloquent voice within the BNF remains intact. When he was initially sidelined as a candidate for Mmadinare constituency, which was then given to the Botswana Patriotic Front while still a UDC coalition partner, Motshegwa did not fall apart. Instead he vowed to continue working for the party when others who were similarly sidelined chose to join other parties. He was only placed back as a candidate later, when the BPF pulled out of the UDC.
