Mmusi Maimane: Democracy Works — Lessons from Botswana’s Political Shift
In a recent address, Mmusi Maimane, former leader of South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA), reflected on Botswana’s October 2024 elections, where the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) defeated the long-ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Maimane highlighted how Botswana’s peaceful transition of power provides a key lesson for other African nations struggling with political dominance. He stressed that a thriving democracy depends on strong, independent institutions like a free press, a robust judiciary, and an accountable electoral process—values that Botswana exemplifies.
Drawing parallels to South Africa, Maimane cautioned that prolonged political power can lead to corruption, as seen in the country’s own struggles under the ANC. He also saw Botswana’s shift as a warning for Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF, which he suggested could be next to face a challenge to its rule. Maimane emphasized that coalitions based on shared democratic values are critical for fostering better governance and economic growth. The key takeaway is that Africa’s future depends on resilient, transparent institutions and a commitment to the people’s welfare, as seen in Botswana’s example.
