The Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa has urged Dikgosi to play a part in driving local economic development by using natural resources in their villages to make revenue, through the formation of Corporations and Trusts.
Motshegwa made this call during the Bogosi Association in Botswana (BOABO) Annual General Conference (AGM) that was held in Maun this week under the theme: “Bogosi is the pillar of human rights”.
BOABO is an advocacy and professional grouping for traditional leaders, ranging from headmen to paramount chiefs. The association was registered in 2022 under the principle of Societies Act, of Botswana and commenced its services in 2023.
Motshegwa highlighted the importance of partnership between traditional leaders and local authorities in fostering sustainable business initiatives to improve rural livelihoods. He also encouraged the traditional to strengthen unity, uphold cultural values and intensify efforts to address challenges affecting communities as they continue playing a pivotal role in grassroots development.
“I want to see chiefs building communities, fighting against gender-based violence, drug and alcohol abuse which is a challenge among our youth. I want to see the chiefs developing the economy in their villages using the natural resources to make revenue. This you can achieve by forming Corporations or Trusts,” he said.
Motshegwa explained that traditional leaders play a critical role in ensuring that national programmes are effectively implemented at community level because they are closer to the people and understand the challenges affecting their communities.
He further raised concerns regarding a surge in chieftainship and traditional succession disputes, citing that these conflicts often lead to severe community divisions and court battles.
He noted that government is committed to see the communities benefiting from their natural resources and this can only be achieved through collaboration with the traditional leaders.
Motshegwa further expressed government’s commitment to address the challenges that are facing chiefs and restore their dignity hence the review of the Bogosi Act and Customary Court Act. He added that the government will continue to engage traditional leaders in the review of the act.
In his remarks, BOABO Chairperson Kgosi Rapelang Khuwe highlighted the importance traditional leaders in the community, stating that they play a very important role in restoring peace and resolving disputes. He added that the institution of traditional leadership has evolved over the years and remains relevant in addressing contemporary challenges.
Khuwe encouraged the government to address the challenges faced by the traditional leaders that include poor welfare, lagging remuneration packages compared to other public office holders, delay in allocation of land. He urged the government to recognise the important role played by the traditional leaders in the community stating that all these challenges negatively affect the dignity of the chiefs.
BOABO National Organiser, Kgosi Galeakanye Modise also encouraged the government to address the challenges faced by the chiefs, highlighting that the chiefs are vital pillars of community stability. He cited some of the challenges faced by the traditional leaders among them unfair remuneration and poor working conditions.
BOABO Patron, Pelonomi Venson Moitoi has urged traditional leaders to play a role in documenting their culture and traditions to safeguard their intangible heritage and oral histories, to ensure future generations can connect with their roots.
