The Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa is yet to make a final determination on the proposed administrative separation of the Okavango District.
In its last sitting, the Okavango District Council (ODC) was divided over the proposed boundary stretching from Qurube to Gudigwa. Despite the motion having received criticism from some leaders, including Deputy Council Chairman, Brian Samoka, who questioned its logic, it narrowly passed with a 13–10 vote.
Samoka argued that the proposed arrangement fails to reflect practical service delivery realities, particularly for residents of the Etsha villages, who would be required to travel to Shakawe for services, despite Gumare being significantly closer and more accessible. Specially nominated councillor Osefelepelo Gaebolae also expressed concern that the voting outcome may have been influenced by tribal considerations rather than service delivery.
In an interview, ODC Chairperson Ronald Gaopalelwe emphasised that the boundary dividing the two proposed districts remains unclear, as there are conflicting options from both villagers and other area councillors. He narrated that some propose for the boundary to be set in Ikoga village, while others recommend Etsha 1 and others Sepopa. Gaopalelwe explained that the boundary area placement decision lies with the minister, who will make the final determination on whether to approve the council’s recommendation or reconsider the proposal in light of accessibility and efficiency concerns. He indicated that the minister has not yet given them feedback on the matter.
Meanwhile, the chairperson reiterated that the proposed division of Okavango District into two separate, fully fledged administrative bodies is crucial for the enhancement of service delivery within the broader region. Gaopalelwe said the Okavango administrative body, which is currently situated in Gumare village, has been congested as it is currently servicing a population of about 74,151 local residents from 35 villages within the district.
He explained that the new district headquarters will be situated in Shakawe while the older one will remain in Gumare village. He added that the new proposed districts remain unnamed. According to him, during consultation meetings with residents, the majority of the residential population suggested for the Shakawe headquarters to be named Okavango District, while the Gumare headquarters name remains undecided. He indicated that most residents suggested Ngami, Makgobokgobo or Gchwihaba names for the Gumare administrative body. He further averred that they prioritise and welcome local communities’ inputs in such issues.
Furthermore, he indicated that though infrastructure remains a challenge in Shakawe, the village’s sub-land board has a large conference hall facility in which they are planning to carry out administrative duties.
The council leadership says the creation of a new administrative district is a move to enhance decentralisation and bring government services closer to the people. “The objective is to enhance decentralisation and bring services closer to the people,” he said, noting that Okavango’s vast geographical spread continues to pose logistical and service delivery challenges. If approved, Ronald said creating a new district could reduce administrative pressure, improve coordination of development projects, and speed up infrastructure development in areas that are far from the main service centres.
