01 May 2018

Government has refuted media reports concerning the removal of four Tawana Land Board members from office.

A press release from BGCIS states that the district leadership, including the area Members of Parliament subsequently made representations to ask for a review of the process of their removal from office and a pardon for the affected Land Board members.

The release states that after careful review of the circumstances and process leading to their removal from office and after consultations with other affected Land Board members, government has taken a decision to pardon the four Land Board members and reinstate them with immediate effect.

It explains that the matter was amicably settled after a series of discussions with all affected parties.

It also says government appreciates the mature manner in which the discussions leading to this settlement were conducted.

Further, it says government appreciates the commitment by the affected members to serve the people of Ngami District as well as Batswana to the best of their ability and with humility.

Again, it says government commits to uphold the principle of consultations with stakeholders in land management, taking note of their sensitivity and importance to the lives of Batswana.

It further says the principle of consultations with Bogosi on land management issues has recently been incorporated in the re-enactment of the Tribal Land Act.

The release also states that government is committed to sustainable management of natural resources, including and especially tourism, for socio economic development of all Batswana. This commitment, it says extends to ensuring maximum involvement and benefit of local communities.

“Government recognises tourism as an engine of growth. It is the second revenue source for the country and has a lot of potential to generate more revenues for the country.”

Regarding land for tourism in Ngamiland and indeed the rest of the country, it says government will continue to promote foreign direct investment in the sector, whilst simultaneously promoting citizen participation and specifically, participation and benefit of local communities.

“Government assures the reinstated members of its support and is appreciative of those who have had to continue to serve during this period,” the release says. ENDS