20 Mar 2017

Customary court presidents are public service employees and their appointments are regulated by Public Service Act No 30 of 2008 and General Orders (1996).

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said just like other public employees and in line with Section 13 of the Public Service Act No. 30 of 2008, some were permanent and pensionable while others were engaged on contractual terms depending on their age.

Mr Tsogwane stated that contract periods of court presidents vary due to the age of a particular individual.

The minister explained that there were two levels in the cadre, being court presidents on D2 grade and deputy court presidents on D3 grade.

Mr Tsogwane said his ministry has no plans to allow residents to elect their own customary presidents as per the above stated reasons, adding that they were public officers and not elective.

MP for Gaborone North, Mr Haskins Nkaigwa had asked the minister to state the contract period for customary court presidents and why their contract period and remuneration were different whilst performing the same functions.

He further asked the minister to state how they were employed and if there were any plans to allow residents to elect their own customary court presidents. ENDS