As Tawana Land Board is experiencing a surge in applications of ancestral land rights for ruins (Matlota), traditional and tribal leaders have been cautioned against consenting for illegitimate claims.
Government’s provision allowing Batswana to reclaim their ancestral land that were occupied by their families before the enactment of the Tribal Land Act of 1968 and the formation of statutory land boards in 1970 has led to a sudden increase of applications across Ngamiland.
One of the key requirements for these claims is obtaining a consent letter from a Kgosi.
Speaking during the North West District Council (NWDC) full council meeting, Tawana Land Board (TLB) chairperson Reamogetse Yakenge urged Dikgosi to exercise caution when issuing these consent letters. She warned them against endorsing claims for land that was never occupied by the applicants or their families prior to the establishment of land boards.
Yakenge disclosed that the board has encountered instances where Dikgosi issued consent letters confirming land occupation by individuals after the 1970s a period when land boards were already operational. She emphasised that such actions amount to injustice and could fuel land disputes.
“As leaders in this district, we must ensure that only legitimate claims receive consent to prevent further disputes. We are all aware of the ongoing issues in NG32, which have forced us to suspend land activities there while the matter is being resolved,” Yakenge stated.
She added that the board has initiated engagements with Dikgosi across the district to guide them on proper procedures for issuing consent letters. Yakenge also called on councilors to help spread awareness on the issue.
“If we suspect that a Kgosi issued consent due to misunderstanding or intentionally disregarded the guidelines, we invite them for clarification,” she added.
Yakenge further revealed that a committee comprising leaders from the Tawana Tribal Territory, Dikgosi, NWDC, and District Commissioner has been established to tackle matlota land issues, with a particular focus on the contentious NG32 area.
In other developments, Yakenge reported that the Maun Sub-Land Board is currently demarcating about 2,330 plots. These include 490 plots in Phuduhudu, 241 in Shorobe, 233 in Sankoyo, 441 in Samedupi, and 850 in Polokabatho. Additionally, 75 plots in Mochaba, currently undergoing profiling, will also be demarcated.
She explained that upon completion, the survey records will be compiled and submitted to the Department of Survey and Mapping for review and approval. Once approved, the plots will be registered with the Deeds Registry and the Land Information System.
“Only after completing these steps will the plots be allocated through a transparent vetting process to applicants on the waiting list.”
