BDP women's wing leadership contest reveals deepening party divisions

These internal differences remain unresolved despite the BDP's efforts to reunite and rebuild after its defeat in the 2024 General Election. The campaign for the women's wing chairperson position, primarily between Berry Heart and Goitse Phori, has exposed fresh cracks, with competing groups portraying themselves as the true defenders of the party. Some members refer to themselves as “Bana ba party” daughters of the party, while others claim to be “Basireletsi ba party” protectors of the party, fighting to protect the BDP from individuals they believe could undermine its rebuilding efforts.

These divisions have been particularly visible during the election of women’s structures across the country, with a recent incident in Mahalapye during an election of the women’s structure reportedly fueling concerns about potential confrontations as the October congress approaches.