21 Feb 2016

Parliament has approved a motion that called for improvement of conditions of service for dikgosi.

Francistown West legislator, Mr Ignatius Moswaane presented the motion on Friday.

Mr Moswaane moved that Parliament request government to improve conditions of service for dikgosi by providing them with official residences and official transport. 

Mr Moswaane said dikgosi were traditional representatives of the people and most of the rural area dwellers accessed crucial services through tribal administration.

He said, despite the historical and temporary roles of dikgosi, they did not have favourable work conditions, which led to many of them leaving tribal administration to pursue other vocations, including party politics.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, said dikgosi worked under the ambit of his ministry, which he said recognised their importance, but due to other constraints, it had not been able to adequately address their needs in the workplace.

“I agree with the motion, but it should be noted that my ministry had already been working with dikgosi on finding possible ways to improve their work conditions.  We have had to address the plight of different cadres of workers and the needs of ordinary citizens, which has placed constraints on how much we could do to enhance the work conditions of dikgosi,” Mr Tsogwane said.

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi said dikgotla should be empowered with vehicles that could support the work of dikgosi in various villages.  

In addition, the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu said dikgosi held the nation together over the years and had to be supported in their work.  He said those working for the customary court of appeal should also be empowered.

Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Fidelis Molao said dikgosi were not as resourced as other cadres of workers in the civil service and he said this could create friction between dikgosi and the country’s political leadership.

Good Hope/Mabule MP, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng II said Botswana was where it was because of the leadership of dikgosi.  

Yet, he said they worked in poorer conditions compared to those in the employ of district councils and land boards, despite dikgosi normally being the first port of call for cabinet ministers inrural areas

“District commissioners, land board and district council authorities have better offices than dikgosi despite tribal administration also undertaking important tasks.  I also appeal to government to consider the provision of housing for those Dikgosi that are members of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, as they normally come for sessions in Gaborone and struggle with accommodation,” he said.

Kgosi Lotlaamoreng II further asked government to create a special unit of police officers to work with dikgosi countrywide, .

Mochudi West legislator, Mr Gilbert Mangole said dikgosi were burdened with huge tasks and were thus deserving of better work conditions. Ends