11 Aug 2016

British High Commissioner Katy Ransome has commended the traditional authorities for maintaining pre and post-colonial era with Great Britain and their role in developmental path for Botswana to its currents status.

The high commissioner was in Molepolole where she paid courtesy call on Kgosi Kgari III at the Kgotla and later toured Bakwena museum and the Royal burial sides, Matsosa Ngwao regiment and other places of cultural and historical value.

Interacting with the high commissioner Bakwena Kgosi Kgolo Kgari III said bogosi and the Kgotla system are important democratic institution which government consults when formulating legislation and addressing issues of tribal importance.

He said the Kgotla is where developments are conceived and  consultation of the tribesmen on intended developments takes place. 

He said bills before becoming a law  passe  through Ntlo ya Dikgosi and Kgosi being member of the local government/council also represent the interest of tribesmen in council. 

“Kgosi also consult the tribes before and after meetings of Ntlo ya Dikgosi.

Kgosi Kgari III said though there were many issues afflicting the tribesmen, land seems to be the most contentious issues especially for residential purposes where there is a huge demand for tribal land. 

On issues of attendance he shared with the high commissioner that few youth attend Kgotla meetings as compared to the adult population.

He however pointed out that though as Dikgosi they wish to engage the youth as much as possible they (youth) are not attending in good numbers because of arrays of factors such hunting for employment, schooling.

Kgosi Keineetse Sebele shared with the visting envoy events after independence and pre-colonial era, such as Molepolole being the centre where the resident commissioner would consult all Batswana Chiefs before proceeding to Francistown to address European nationasl in then Rhodesia and Malawi. 

He shared with them the Queen's day and Commonwealth Day celebrations which were big events back then.

Kgosi Sebele also talked about the Tuesdays being set aside for readings of scriptures at London Missionary Society church  and Wednesday being a day where scout and girl guides' movement will assemble for games, singings and instilling discipline among the young.

The envoy also toured the Scottish Livingstone hospital which was built in 1934 by the then United Free Churches of Scotland with just 30 beds an ambulance, a doctor. Ends