Guma Moyo insists he remains a bona fide member despite Balopi revoking his re-admission
SESUPO RANTSIMAKO
Fresh uncertainty has emerged over the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) reconciliation programme after the party revoked the reinstatement of former member Samson Guma Moyo, prompting questions about the consistency of the initiative spearheaded by party president Mpho Balopi.
The latest development has reignited debate within the party over how decisions to readmit former members are made and whether those decisions can later be reversed, despite the BDP’s stated commitment to healing years of internal divisions.
RECONCILIATION UNDER SPOTLIGHT
Soon after taking over the BDP presidency in 2025, Balopi announced the immediate lifting of the suspension and expulsion of a number of party members, saying some of the disciplinary processes that led to their removal had not complied with the party’s constitutional requirements.
The move formed part of a broader reconciliation effort aimed at restoring unity within the party following prolonged internal disputes.
Among those whose membership was restored was former president Ian Khama, despite his earlier indication that he intended to retire from active politics and concentrate on his responsibilities in bogosi.
The initiative was widely welcomed by sections of the party as a significant step towards rebuilding cohesion ahead of future political contests.
MOYO REINSTATEMENT REVOKE
The reconciliation process has, however, come under renewed scrutiny following Balopi’s decision to withdraw Moyo’s reinstatement.
In a letter addressed to Moyo, Balopi said the earlier decision to restore his membership had been made irregularly and was inconsistent with Article 7.1 of the BDP Constitution.
The reversal has raised fresh questions within party structures about the criteria used to determine who qualifies for reinstatement and whether previously approved decisions can be revisited.
MOYO MAINTAINS HE IS STILL A BDP MEMBER
Despite the revocation, Moyo insists he remains a legitimate member of the BDP and says he has no affiliation with any other political party.
“I am a member of the BDP in good standing and not holding membership of any other political party as alleged in the letter. My membership number is 227611806, valid until 2116,” Moyo told The Botswana Gazette
He added that he intends to continue serving the party in whatever capacity members may require.
“I am a member of the BDP and will continue to serve the party in any capacity that BDP members may see fit.”
Moyo also dismissed suggestions that Balopi intended to exclude him from the party, saying he believes the BDP president is simply correcting what he views as an administrative oversight.
LEADERSHIP DECLINES TO COMMENT
Efforts to obtain clarification from the party leadership produced no definitive response.
BDP Executive Secretary Ame Makoba referred enquiries to Secretary General Kentse Rammidi, who in turn said the matter falls under the authority of the party president and directed questions to Balopi.
At the time of publication, Balopi had not responded after requesting that enquiries be sent to him by phone message.