24/09/2026
𝗕𝗗𝗣 𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝟭𝟬 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗦 𝗔𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗞𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗔
BDP DELIVERS 10 CATTLE IN KHAMA RECONCILIATION PROCESS
GAMMANGWATO — The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has taken a further step towards reconciliation with BaGaMmangwato by delivering 10 head of cattle as part of the customary process arising from the party's apology to Paramount Chief Ian Khama and the tribe last year.
The cattle were brought to Gammangwato on Wednesday, September 23, and kraaled at Rre Kokoro's kraals.
The latest development follows the BDP's August 2025 visit to Serowe, where a party delegation led by President Mpho Balopi formally apologised to Khama and BaGaMmangwato over grievances linked to the party's past tenure in government.
The 2025 apology touched on some of the most contentious chapters in the relationship between Khama, the BDP and the Bangwato community, including Khama's prolonged absence from Botswana, his inability to attend the burial of his elder sister, tensions surrounding the Bangwato Bogosi and restrictions on kgotla proceedings.
Balopi acknowledged that the former BDP-led government had caused hardship to Khama and the tribe and expressed regret over actions he said had undermined peace, Botho, freedom of expression and dialogue.
The reconciliation process subsequently moved beyond a political apology and into the realm of customary practice, with cattle becoming part of the process of seeking forgiveness and restoring relations.
The delivery of the 10 cattle on Wednesday therefore represents a continuation of the reconciliation process that began publicly in August 2025, rather than a new apology by the BDP.
The development also gives the political dispute a distinctly customary dimension, with the BDP now participating in a traditional process aimed at addressing grievances between the party and BaGaMmangwato.
The cattle have been kept at Rre Kokoro's kraals as the process continues.
For a party whose history is deeply intertwined with the political establishment of Botswana, the reconciliation effort with Khama and BaGaMmangwato carries considerable political and historical significance.
The process also comes against the backdrop of Khama's own complicated history with the BDP. Once the party's president and Botswana's fourth president, Khama eventually fell out with the party leadership, particularly during the administration of former president Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The latest customary step consequently adds another chapter to a relationship that has moved from political alliance to bitter confrontation and, now, an attempt at reconciliation.
Follow us for more news
