Mephato Reatile

Mephato Reatile is a Botswana politician who was the Member of Parliament for the Jwaneng-Mabutsane constituency and the President of the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF). Quotes “You were here in December asking government to approve funds which you said was among others meant to pay outstanding debts. Look at the situation today, the country is being shamed because the police are no longer chasing thieves but they are now after DIS agents who have overtaken thieves in terms of thievery,” Pay ‘robbing’ DIS agents—Reatile 14 February 2024 “We do not merely gather in halls and rooms, we gather in spirit, in purpose, and in vision, united by a cause far greater conviction, and collective action. A milestone that signals the beginning of a new political dawn in Botswana, a dawn where the voices of ordinary citizens, our women, our youth, our communities are not only heard but respected represented, and empowered,” “It is a declaration that BPF will empower, uplift, and mobilise. And most importantly, it is a celebration of the courage and sacrifice of those who have carried this party through challenging times, laying the foundation of what we build together today," “Our growth is remarkable; from a modest four per cent in our early days to over eight per cent in the national vote, as reflected in the October 2024 general election. This is not merely a statistic, it is the voice of the people, echoing our message of hope, change, and empowerment.” “Patriots, it is your sacrifice and resilience that have turned vision into reality, proving that a movement guided by principle, unity, and passion can overcome every obstacle and rise to the occasion,” “To our elected councilors and Members of Parliament, I remind you once more of the solemn promise you made to serve the people diligently, with humility and dedication. Now that you have the seats, do not be intoxicated by power, do not sink into greed, insolence, ignorance, or pride. “Be warned, and I say this with the full weight of the people’s mandate. It is the people who put you there, and it is the people who will remove you. Betrayal of trust will not be tolerated. Increase your diligence, rise above self-interest, and remember, your position is not a throne, it is a duty. Those who choose arrogance over service will fall,” Reatile credits BPF growth to resilience 1 September 2025 ‘We need to rise above the rest and prove our worth’’, "Procurement laws would be enhanced to close loopholes that might lead to corruption and mal-administration," BPF launches manifesto candidates 6 October 2024 “and we are currently preparing for an extraordinary congress which, according to our constitution, must be held within three months of any such event.” “What happened with the recent congress is not in accordance with our party constitution. I used my authority given by the party constitution to dissolve the congress, and those actions cannot be deemed invalid,” “ in cases of emergency, to take action in the interest of the BPF pending review by the National Congress, the president can make decisions on behalf of the party.” “We are working towards an extraordinary congress, which, as stipulated in our party constitution, should take place within three months. I will not allow actions that undermine our procedures to go unchallenged. We want to ensure that the upcoming congress follows the correct protocols and is not influenced by the preferences of a few individuals who disregard the rule of law,” Reatile challenges legitimacy of BPF congress 4 November 2025 “Though our party was only formed in 2018, it has approached the courts several times than some long-established parties,” “That’s not good. Our members are destroying the very party they claim to build.” Fresh turmoil rattles BPF 2 September 2025 “Our members in different constituencies showed (sic) that UDC affiliates are not respecting the signed agreement of percentage sharing when one is given the constituency they are managing.” “The agreement is that those given the area shall contest 60% of the wards while others share 40%, but now some parties fail to honour that.” Reatile falls on his own sword 1 November 2024 “Some BPF members were threatening to leave the party while others wanted to contest as independent candidates since UDC affiliates were not cooperative with them especially for wards allocation where the agreed ratio of 60 to 40% was not used,” “As the president, I was forced to act so that the party does not collapse.” BPF NEC puzzled by Reatile's UDC decision 8 April 2025 “It was hard to contest alone last year, but I decided to leave the UDC because it was what the members wanted. I held countrywide consultations with members who made it clear that they wanted BPF to go it alone in the past elections,” “The leaders reiterated members’ wishes. I wasn’t my decision alone, I don’t rule alone,” “We are not yet at that stage,” “We are not throwing stones at each other, we want Batswana to have a choice,” BPF has no arrangement with UDC outside Parley – Reatile 24 October 2025