26 Oct 2015

The role of dikgosi is not only to preside over cases, but to build the nation and mobilise communities for development.

Speaking during the enthronement of Kgosi Lekgatlhanye Mabua of Dibete in the Central District on recently, Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele said the institution of bogosi and kgotla system remained relevant in the governance of the modern Botswana.

As such, Mr Makgalemele said it was proper that the Constitution recognised bogosi as it provided for the existence of Ntlo ya Dikgosi as an advisory body to Parliament.

He said stability and peace had been achieved through various functions presided over by dikgosi, such as trying civil and criminal cases, community mobilisations, dispute resolution and preservation of diverse cultures.

He noted that dikgosi were key players in restoring the values and combating moral decay and d Botho, amongst societies.

He explained that the kgotla continues to provide a platform for consultations on various issues such as development, governance and other issues of national importance.

Mr Makgalemele said it was a platform for dialogue where the spirit of democracy was upheld, adding that it was where individuals were able to freely express themselves.

He said a kgotla was also where justice was dispensed without delay and costs.

In recognition of the critical role played by bogosi and the kgotla system, he said the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development had taken a decision to improve the profile of kgotla by, amongst others, maintaining infrastructure for dikgotla, rolling out internet connectivity and implementing a capacity building programme for dikgosi.

He explained that all these might not be achieved in a short time, but through processes, which demanded resources.

Furthermore, Mr Makgalemele said the occasion demonstrated the true existence and operation of Botswana’s rich culture, which was engrained in one of the national principles of Botho.

He said he was pleased to learn that there was a smooth transfer of leadership from the retired Kgosi Leabile Mosarwa to Kgosi Mabua, which also followed a process of elections.

In some communities, he noted that some leaders would refuse to retire even when their health had deteriorated.

He said the local government ministry was inundated with such successions disputes, which were detrimental to societal harmony.

Such disputes, he said, delayed community development and provision of services.

Therefore, he applauded both the residents of Dibete and Kgosi Mosarwa for the smooth transfer.

Mr Makgalemele advised Kgosi Mabua that ‘kgosi ke kgosi ka batho’ and that ‘kgosi thotobolo e olela matlakala’, therefore, the welfare of the community should be one of his priorities.

He also advised him to have a vision of how he would rule his people because words of wisdom say ‘where there is no vision, the people perish’, and always trust his judgment and pray that God give him power and guidance to rule his people.

He also appealed to the uncles and community of Dibete to put the welfare of their leader at the fore front.

Kgosi Tswebebe Segotsi of Mahalapye advised Kgosi Mabua that bogosi was not an easy task, but wished him all the best in his endeavor.

Kgosi Segotsi said bogosi was a 24-hour job; therefore, he should give it the seriousness it deserves and do it with love, adding that he should also treat his people with respect, love and always be fair when making decisions. Ends