21 May 2017

Deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development says Botswana’s flourishing democracy owes its existence to the traditional Kgotla system.

Col. Duke Masilo said during the inauguration ceremony of Kgosi Tirontle Kgopo in Mokgomane on Saturday,  that the ideals of present-day democratic Botswana were by and large derived from the Kgotla system, which dates back to pre-independence era.

As such, Col. Masilo stated that  government continued to hold with great esteem the role played by Ntlo Ya Dikgosi and other pertinent traditional structures, such as the Kgotla, which formed part of governance.

“The role played by dikgosi in presiding over complex matters and dispensing justice at the kgotla cannot therefore be underestimated,” he said.

To this end, Col. Masilo said other than empowering Dikgosi, government continued to construct offices, provide ICT at dikgotla across the country to expedite service delivery.

On the coronation, Col. Masilo commended Bangwaketse especially the people of Mokgomane for ensuring the entire process was seamless and bereft of disputes that usually ruin events of similar nature.

Bangwaketse deputy paramount chief, Kgosi Kebapetse Telekelo advised Kgosi Kgopo to lead his subjects with absolute fairness and treat everybody equally at all times notwithstanding their social status.

He also said it was imperative for Kgosi Kgopo to familiarise himself with the constitution, Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, Penal Code and other vital instruments so that his judgments over the cases that he would preside over, were within stipulated parameters of the law at all times.

“You should also be apolitical and work harmoniously with government,” he said.

For his part, Kgosi Kgopo said social cohesion and development in Mokgomane and other nearby village would be amongst his top priorities.

“I can assure you that I am not going to meddle in politics but will focus on my job as clearly spelt out,” he said.

Kgosi Daniel Mathiba of Mmathethe expressed his happiness that Kgosi Kgopo coronation was without qualms; something he commended Mokgomane residents for. ENDS