The Annual General Conference of the Bogosi Association wrapped up in Maun on Friday with a strong call to revive traditional practices such as bojale and bogwera, long credited with shaping Botswana’s moral and social fabric and guiding young people toward responsible adulthood.
Addressing the gathering at Botswana Open University, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ignatius Moswaane, encouraged dikgosi to take a more active role in tackling modern challenges like gender-based violence, crime, and moral decline. He urged the reinstatement of traditional initiation schools, noting their historic role as “schools of discipline, respect, and responsibility.
“These cultural institutions were not merely rites of passage,” Moswaane said. “If we want to end some of these social ills, we must return to what grounded us as a people and reminded us of our shared values.”
He added that Bogosi remains a critical pillar of community leadership, promoting human rights, welfare, and dignity. Government, he revealed, is reviewing the Bogosi Act to strengthen the institution and expand its traditional responsibilities. “This review aims to elevate the status of Bogosi, ensure its offices are well-resourced, and reinforce respect for its authority,” he said, noting that stronger community leadership is key to national stability.
The four-day conference, which began September 11, drew traditional leaders from every corner of the country to reflect on current challenges and to map out how Bogosi can reclaim its central role in governance and community life for future generations.
Bogosi Association chairperson Kgosi Rapelang Khuwe of Marobela lamented that dikgosi feel sidelined. “Our powers have been numbed, and that is affecting our ability to serve communities effectively. This conference is about advocating for our rights and addressing the key issues limiting our functionality,” he said.
Batawana paramount chief Kgosi Tawana II called on traditional leaders to invest in skills development and legal education to stay relevant in modern governance. “The country is evolving, and so must dikgosi. We cannot resolve today’s problems with yesterday’s tools. Extensive training in judicial law will elevate the quality of justice we deliver in customary courts,” he noted, describing Bogosi as the bedrock of Botswana’s leadership and a link between past and present.
Adding to the debate, Kgosi Othatayakae Moalosi urged that customary courts be given greater authority, particularly in cases involving young offenders. He argued that carefully applied corporal punishment historically built strong moral character and community cohesion. The conference closed with consensus that strengthening Bogosi and reviving traditional institutions are vital steps toward restoring discipline, respect, and social harmony across Botswana.
