28 Nov 2018

Tribal administration is at the forefront of all developments and changes that take place within societies, says Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Mr Kgotla Autlwetse.

Officiating at Bogosi Pitso in Gaborone on November 27, Mr Autlwetse said villages owed their existence to the institution of chieftainship.

He said the administration of justice through traditional courts, Kgotla system, as well as provision of advice on tribal matters by chiefs were extremely important.

Mr Autlwetse commended chiefs for restoring peace and order whenever social ills like “matsaakankane, makgaola 7 and Mosomi” gangs terrorised communities.

He said it was chiefs who remained in villages to ensure that communities continued functioning when most of their subjects left for towns and cities in search of greener pastures.

“We acknowledge the fact that Bogosi has maintained its strategic position, administrative muscle and influence from time immemorial,” he said adding that the institution had been able to adapt to changing socio-economic and political landscapes.

Mr Autlwetse said contrary to assertions that chieftainship was obsolete, the institution had become central to government and could not be discarded.

He said it had immense clout and appeal that played an indispensable role in the governance system of this country.

Mr Autlwetse expressed appreciation for developments in the Department of Tribal Administration including 30 offices complete with furniture while 20 more were under construction.

He said since 2013/14 to date, 117 vehicles were purchased for various customary courts which had alleviated shortage of transport.

“Internet connectivity is coming up although at a slower pace as it involves other stakeholders to provide necessary infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Autlwetse said a total of 75 offices had been connected, 47 had been cabled and awaiting connection while 87 had been earmarked for the 2019/20 financial year.

On computerisation, he said since 2017/18, a total of 145 computers were bought and distributed to customary courts, while for the current financial year, 106 computers would be purchased.

However, Mr Autlwetse said despite the good things being done for the department, there were some undesirable elements that were slowly creeping into the institution which would tarnish its image and might lead to communities losing trust in them.

He said the undesired elements included succession disputes, corrupt practices, criminal activities, non-consultation with communities, occupation and non-payment of government institutional houses. Ends