03 Apr 2017

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Mr Slumber Tsogwane says the role of the kgotla in nation building cannot go unnoticed.

Handing over the Maaloso-a-Ngwana ward kgotla shelter in Mmaphashalala on Friday, Mr Tsogwane said the kgotla continued to provide a platform for consultations on various issues such as development, governance and other issues of national importance.

The minister said the kgotla was a platform for dialogue where the spirit of democracy was upheld, adding that at local government the kgotla was considered as a foundation of national unity and sustenance.

 “It is through the kgotla that Botswana has remained united, proud and peaceful across generations from immemorial,” he said in recognition of the shelter that was built by Botswana Post in partnership with Office of the President. He explained that without the consultative machinery facilitated by the kgotla, the nation would not be enjoying the international praise as the best example of democracy.

Further, he said the kgotla formed the backbone for a united family which led to a united ward, a united village and unity of the nation.

Mr Tsogwane said in recognition of the critical role played by the Bogosi institution and the kgotla system, government through his ministry continued to improve the profile of the kgotla by amongst others maintaining infrastructure for dikgotla, rolling out internet connectivity and availing transport.

“It is noteworthy that government will also continue to consider all Headmen of Arbitration who do not receive allowances as and when budget permits. All these may not be achieved in a short time but through a process which demand resources,” he said.

He said government would continue to provide infrastructural developments , urging citizens to complement government efforts by way of contributing towards community projects.

“The spirit of community development has always been part of Botswana’s culture and I challenge local institutions like Bogosi and local authorities in the country to start community development and mobilization initiatives for capacity building and community empowerment,” he said.

He said government has also taken an initiative of starting constituency community project programme this coming financial year.

He explained that the programme would give communities a chance to implement the projects of their choice that would benefit the whole community. He said this would also discourage the culture of entitlement and reduce dependence on government.

He appealed to the community of Mmaphashalala to make good use of this initiative, brainstorm and come up with a concrete proposal that would benefit them at the end.

Mr Tsogwane said government alone could not manage to develop and implement social upliftment programmes, hence the need for support and backing by the private sector. With that, he applauded Botswana Post for the contributions that it had made in the construction of the shelter.

He said this was a sign that government could work in partnership with the private sector not only to diversify the economy but also in social responsibility initiatives.

For his part, Botswana Post acting chief executive officer Mr Thato Kewakae said the event marked the commitment they had in giving back to the community they serve.

Mr Kewakae said though it was not a multi-million project, the value of the shelter would significantly impact the lives of the community.

Botswana Post contributed the sum of P76 000 towards the construction of the shelter. He said also at BotswanaPost they realised the significance of kgotla in the lives of the people, and they prided themselves to have been part of it, adding that this would also add to the development of the village. ENDS