- DC’s office, TAC accused of bias in addressing differences
- DC Waloka says TAC’s conduct above reproach
- OKMCT problems stem from flawed elections -DC
- Says some elected board members priotise self interest
- TAC’s mediation efforts ignored, courts preferred instead
- The imminent CBNRM bill solution to the conflicts
Amid ongoing legal battles and rising divisions within the Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT), the office of the District Commissioner has come under fire, accused of bias and favoritism in the trust’s leadership conflicts.
Some in the interim board, which was elected in October last year, has publicly criticised the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), specifically the District Commissioner’s office, for allegedly failing to support them. They argue that despite extending an invitation backed by a court order the DC’s office failed to attend a special general meeting intended to address the trust’s ongoing issues.
North West District Commissioner Thabang Waloka this week revealed that he is aware of the accusations levelled against his office and TAC, but denied any form of bias and favoritism toward any of the warring factions or groups within OKMCT.
In an interview, Gonewamang Samoxhose, a member of the interim board expressed frustration over the perceived bias of the District Commissioner’s (DC) office.
Samoxhose pointed out that despite extending an invitation to the DC’s office in October last year backed by a court order, the office failed to attend the meeting without providing any official explanation.
Additionally, he alleged that the District Commissioner had been seen meeting with former board members and claimed that the DC was advising them the next move.
“I was surprised that there was a meeting in Boro last Friday, organised by the new concerned group, and the DC attended, yet they failed to show up for ours. The question is, are they no longer concerned about legal battles within OKMCT?” Samoxhose remarked.
When asked why they had not attended the previous meeting, Samoxhose explained that the invitation was sent on short notice and that they were unable to arrange transportation. He remained uncertain about whether they would attend the second special general meeting scheduled for March 17, 2025, in Boro.
Meanwhile, Waloka has maintained that his office had consistently advised all parties involved to adopt a peaceful resolution to their differences, but noted that many, dissatisfied with TAC’s guidance, have resorted to urgent court applications instead.
Waloka further stated that based on legal counsel, his office has deliberately avoided deeper involvement in the trust’s disputes already before the courts to prevent legal entanglements. He cited the Ditshiping vs OKMCT case, in which the DC’s office was named as a defendant despite its mediation goes, an experience that led to their cautious approach.
“We do not want to misuse state funds on legal battles we could have avoided. Our aim is to let the courts resolve these cases without unnecessary involvement on our part. We have tried to mediate multiple times, but the disputes ultimately end up in court,” Waloka explained.
He highlighted that the interim board which by then was the concerned group, perceived the DC’s office as compromised and instead sought guidance from local Dikgosi while sidelining TAC.
However, Waloka revealed that after a favorable court ruling, the board invited the DC’s office to assist in structuring its leadership hierarchy. TAC however responded by advising that interim board members should handle their hierarchy internally and only later notify relevant stakeholders, including TAC.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Waloka assured that the DC’s office would continue providing impartial advice to the board and attending key meetings, with their primary interest being the proper implementation of the Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) framework.
According to Waloka, the recurring legal battles stem from flawed board elections, where members are chosen based on personal allegiances rather than competence and integrity. He pointed out that many elected boards prioritise self-interest, entering into joint venture partnerships without consulting beneficiary communities deepening divisions within the trust.
“Elected board members often serve their own interests rather than those of the communities they represent. They make unilateral decisions and sign business deals without consulting beneficiaries, leading to internal rifts,” he said.
He urged community members to prioritise accountability when electing trustees, emphasising that while community trusts generate millions annually for development, the lack of progress in beneficiary settlements is glaring.
In a bid to address the escalating turmoil within OKMCT, Waloka disclosed that he had met with the Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr Micus Chimbombi to discuss the state of community trusts. The minister he said, has pledged to expedite the implementation of the long-awaited CBNRM bill, which is expected to provide a legal framework to address the persistent court battles plaguing OKMCT and other trusts across the North West District.
