BNF mourns benign, fearless Akambakamba
The Botswana National Front (BNF) is mourning the passing of Akambakamba, a revered and long-serving activist and former councillor. Known for her fearless dedication and steadfast defense of the party's ideals, she was a significant figure in Botswana's opposition politics for decades, serving on the BNF's central committee and mentoring generations of activists.
Why it matters
The passing of a prominent political figure like Akambakamba marks the end of an era for the Botswana National Front and highlights the contributions of long-term activists to the country's political landscape. Her legacy underscores the importance of dedication and resilience in opposition politics.
Although the fallen councillor spent much of her time in Gaborone Central, where she contested the Notwane Ward in the 2009 and 2019 elections, her political influence extended far beyond the constituency. For decades, she was regarded as one of the party’s iconic activists and a steadfast defender of its ideals and aspirations. Her contribution to the BNF was also reflected in her service on the party’s central committee. Akambakamba also served as an additional member under successive BNF presidents, including founding president, the late Dr Kenneth Koma, Otsweletse Moupo and Duma Boko. However, after the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) won the 2024 General Election and formed government, she opted out of the BNF central committee. By then, Akambakamba had already spent decades in the trenches of opposition politics, earning the respect of generations of activists who regarded her as a political mother and mentor.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in