BPF leadership battles: A defining moment

A court ruling is expected to settle the matter, with the possibility that the 2025 congress may be deemed valid or invalid, which could necessitate a fresh election within the party or maintain the status quo of the Ookeditse-led BPF. In the meantime, the legal battle continues, and Ookeditse’s team has been granted an interim order preventing Galebotswe’s axis from using any BPF symbols, and is recognised as the legitimate national executive committee until the final resolution of the dispute. At the heart of the dispute lies the organisation and preparedness of each faction.

Galebotswe’s team, which was previously seen as disorganised and unprepared, has significantly stepped up its game. This time, they arrived in full force, appearing with matching T-shirts emblazoned with their new symbol, signalling a sense of unity and readiness. More notably, they were accompanied by legal representation, a stark contrast to their earlier, less structured approach.

This change in strategy suggests that the Galebotswe faction has not only better organised its efforts but has likely secured financial backing to support their cause. This newfound strength is evident in their numbers, as they appeared in larger crowds than before, perhaps indicating that they have rallied more supporters or secured external funding. Despite their improved position, Galebotswe’s team remains cautiously optimistic about the outcome of the legal battle.

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Modiri Lucas, the spokesperson for Galebotswe’s faction, expressed confidence that their side still has a strong chance of prevailing in court. Yet, as we assess the current state of discipline in many schools, we must confront an uncomfortable reality: student delinquency appears to be spiralling beyond control. Reports of bullying, classroom disruption, open defiance of teachers, and even violence amongst students are increasingly common. Teachers, once regarded as authoritative figures capable of maintaining order, now often find themselves struggling to manage classrooms effectively….

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