22 Jun 2016

Government respects the Constitution and any other legislation, therefore it would never undermine any institution that was set up by principles of governance. 

The Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale, said this in an interview.

He said connection between his office and Ntlo Ya Dikgosi was a healthy working relationship.

“I am the minister responsible for some of these institutions set up by the Constitution including Parliament which Ntlo Ya Dikgosi is part of.  Time and again, we go there to answer questions or inform them on issues of national importance. The relationship is good and should there be any semblance of poor working relationship which I am currently not aware of there are procedures and ways of handling it,” he said.

Quizzed on whether he was satisfied with the input of the Ntlop ya Dikgosi in its role of advising government, Mr Molale said the important role that dikgosi played on issues of culture, traditions and laws had a bearing on traditions and issues around the constitution. 

“These issues stand referred to Ntlo Ya Dikgosi once presented to Parliament and that shows how important they are in the governance structure.  Any deviation of this requirement of proper governance would be tantamount to encouraging lawlessness and orderliness.  We are a government that adheres to requirements of law and order,” said Mr Molale.

Minister Molale noted that during orientation of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi members, he made a presentation that highlighted the role of dikgosi, the importance they played not only at the house but also at community level where they were traditional leaders. 

He explained that the whole process of development was anchored upon the kgotla system, with kgosi being the custodian of the kgotla.

“We currently have a Task Force of Vision 2036 and it anchored upon the tradition of consultation.  There is no way that government can disrespect the constitution and probably there may be misunderstandings that I am willing to clear with anyone concerned,” he said.

Minister Molale cleared the mist on the recent statement of dissatisfaction by Ntlo Ya Dikgosi chairperson, Kgosi Puso, about the minister’s absence at the Monday session where he was to present the First Reading of the Constitution Amendment Bill (No. 3 of 2016).

“I don’t know what would have caused such a statement. But with regard to the Monday incident of not showing up, I am told there was miscommunication between my officials and Parliament staff. We knew the bill was to be presented on Tuesday not Monday,” he said. 

Mr Molale said Kgosi Puso was the medium of communication as leader of the house to remind every citizen that there was need to adhere to the law including unwritten traditional laws and systems.

“When he says what he says he is not wrong. All he is doing is providing a reminder to say this institution is to be treated in a way it has to be treated and I am no exception, he has a duty to remind me. That is the process of governance.  Governance is a complex process, but if we adhere to roles and responsibilities that we have to follow in ensuring that it remains respected then there won’t be any problems. 

Personally I commit to performing my role as the minister and as a citizen I have to know the limits of what the law allows me to do and how to apply that law in relation to other role players, a simple thing to do” he said. ENDS