Historic shift: BNF Women's League congress draws broad interest

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday April 23, 2025 14:33

Notably, this marks a significant shift, as the Women’s League congress has for the first time attracted interest from both women and men. Unlike in the past elective congresses, this time around men have made the lobby list for the Women’s League, openly campaigning for positions ahead of April 26, as typically seen during the party’s central committee election season.

Moreover, there is growing belief that the outcomes of the Women’s League and Youth League lobby contests could influence which faction might emerge victorious at the BNF’s main congress scheduled for July.

Already, controversy surrounds the upcoming Women’s League congress, adding to the heightened tension.

The BNF, which is an affiliate of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), approaches this year’s congresses not as an opposition party, but as part of the ruling coalition. Consequently, competition has intensified significantly.

As thing stand three candidates are set to contest for the Women’s League presidency. They are Tebogo Kakhu, Monica Molome, and the incumbent Katlego Morolong.

Whilst the Women’s League congress is set to take place this week, some constituencies are yet to finalise their selection of delegates, potentially affecting participation and representation.

A source said there are complaints that delegates from certain lobbies are getting their membership cards printed or processed ahead of others.

The Women’s League president, Morolong, who is also running to retain her seat, said they are anticipating 1,500 delegates.

'The challenge we have is that the process of choosing delegates is slow in some constituencies. This is due to a lack of resources for constituencies to cover more wards,' she said in an interview.

Furthermore, Morolong said some constituencies currently lack structures, either because their terms have elapsed or they were dissolved due to conflicts during the primary elections.

However, she is confident that all the wards and constituencies that are behind will have selected their delegates by Thursday this week.

“The committee is on the ground to make sure interim committees are being elected and there is progress in voting delegates. Easter Holidays affected us as many had gone to their church events,” she added.