- From a ‘raucous’ youth to BNF Treasurer
- It’s a grassroots triumph at BNF congress
The July 2025 Botswana National Front (BNF) party congress in Palapye was supposed to be a celebration marking 60 years of one of Botswana’s oldest political parties. Instead, it turned into a dramatic watershed moment that shook the opposition landscape and sent ripples through the nation’s political establishment. Against the weight of heavy endorsements and well-oiled lobby machines, Arafat Khan, the Member of Parliament for Molepolole North, pulled off a stunning upset to become the BNF Treasurer. His victory was more than a personal triumph; it was a sign that grassroots energy and unwavering commitment to party ideals can disrupt entrenched power structures.
Khan’s rise was by no means a straightforward path. His journey from a raucous youth activist to a respected parliamentarian and now a key party financial steward reflects a political maturation forged in the trenches of Botswana’s opposition politics. Early in his career, Khan was part of the youthful faction known as Fearfokol, a group known for its vocal and confrontational style that rattled the party’s internal dynamics. Over time, he softened into a robust parliamentarian recognized for his sharp scrutiny of government excesses and his refusal to shy away from uncomfortable questions—a rare breed of backbencher known to hold the executive accountable with relentless tenacity.
The contest for the Treasurer position was a high-stakes affair. Khan faced off against Letlhogonolo Barongwang, who enjoyed the backing of two powerful players: Moeti Mohwasa, Botswana’s Minister of State President, and Steven Modise, the Minister of Health. Both wield significant influence within the ruling and opposition circles. Mohwasa, known as a kingmaker, has spent decades navigating political corridors and building coalitions, while Modise represents a new generation of leadership injecting energy and modernization into Botswana’s political scene. Their endorsement of Barongwang was expected to secure his victory, making Khan’s win all the more surprising and emblematic of a deeper yearning for change within the BNF ranks.
Khan’s political resume is broad and deep. Born and raised in Borakalalo ward, he is intimately connected to his constituency and has held numerous leadership positions within the BNF at various levels. He has served as Publicity Secretary and Secretary General of the BNF Youth League, ward secretary in Borakalalo, secretary for the Elections Committee in Molepolole North, and Kweneng Regional Secretary. His membership on the Ways and Means Committee under former Treasurer Noah Salakae gave him critical experience in party finances, positioning him perfectly to take on the Treasurer role amid financial challenges facing the party.
The BNF congress itself was historic, not just for its anniversary but for the political climate it unfolded in. The party, as a major component of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, is navigating fresh territory as it seeks to consolidate power and present a united front after decades as the main opposition. President Duma Boko’s call for unity and respect among coalition members set the tone for what was expected to be a smooth leadership transition. Instead, the election results disrupted the slate vote that had nearly eliminated alternative voices, with Khan’s victory standing out as a clear rejection of the status quo.
Central to Khan’s campaign was his promise to deliver Kopano House, a new BNF headquarters that will serve as a symbolic and operational hub for the party. The construction of Kopano House, long delayed, is a critical priority for the BNF, representing not just bricks and mortar but a renewed commitment to organizational strength and visibility. Khan’s vision extends beyond the building to include establishing satellite offices across Botswana, creating a networked presence that can galvanize support and better coordinate party activities nationwide.
Financial stability is another cornerstone of Khan’s agenda. Opposition parties in Botswana have historically struggled with funding, limiting their ability to sustain operations and mount effective campaigns. Khan’s pledge to strengthen the party coffers is informed by his hands-on experience with the Ways and Means Committee and his understanding of the strategic importance of resources in electoral politics. With the 2029 general election on the horizon, Khan’s stewardship of the treasury will be critical in ensuring the BNF can compete effectively and maintain its place within the UDC coalition.
The political backdrop framing Khan’s ascent is complex. Mohwasa and Modise’s backing of Barongwang was part of a broader strategy to consolidate power within the BNF’s central structures, yet Khan’s grassroots appeal proved resilient. This contrast reveals underlying tensions within the party between establishment pragmatism and ideological purity. Khan’s reputation as a fierce debater and relentless questioner of authority sets him apart from his rivals, signaling a potential shift in the party’s approach to politics—one that values both loyalty and biting accountability.
Khan’s victory has already energized the BNF’s membership, inspiring confidence that underdogs can challenge entrenched elites. His success serves as a beacon to others within the opposition, demonstrating that authentic connection to the grassroots and a clear vision can overcome well-funded political machines. This moment could be the catalyst for a more dynamic and responsive opposition, able to hold the government accountable and present compelling alternatives to voters.
Looking ahead, Khan faces the formidable task of translating his campaign promises into tangible results. The completion of Kopano House will be a visible symbol of his leadership, but the real test lies in his ability to stabilize the party’s finances and create sustainable funding channels. Equally important will be his role in fostering unity within the BNF, navigating factional tensions, and rallying members behind a shared vision as the party positions itself for the next election cycle.
Khan’s story is not just a personal victory but a reflection of Botswana’s evolving democratic landscape. It underscores the power of persistence, grassroots mobilization, and the courage to challenge entrenched interests. In a political environment where endorsements and lobbying often dictate outcomes, Khan’s win is a reminder that real political change can come from unexpected quarters, fueled by dedication and connection to the people.
As the BNF embarks on its next chapter, Khan’s role as Treasurer will be pivotal. His stewardship of the party’s finances will shape its operational capacity and influence within the broader opposition coalition. If successful, Khan’s tenure could set a new standard for leadership within the BNF and inspire a broader renewal in Botswana’s opposition politics.
For Arafat Khan, this victory is just the beginning of a larger political journey. Marked by resilience, commitment, and a refusal to accept the predictable, his rise signals a new era for the BNF and Botswana’s opposition. The Kopano House project, the strengthening of party finances, and the deepening of grassroots engagement will be his legacy if he can deliver on the promise that electrified the 2025 Palapye congress and the hopes of many across the country.
