20 Jan 2019

The Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, says dikgosi are key to nation building and peace keeping.

Addressing kgotla meetings in Khumaga and Moremaoto in his Boteti West constituency last week, Mr Tsogwane said chieftainship was still relevant and could play an instrumental role in running a smooth government.

Dikgosi, he said, were founders of the nation, adding that they needed to be upskilled to enhance their service.

He noted that the 2017-2023 tribal administration plan had scheduled training for chiefs to upgrade their skills and knowledge, thereby enhancing chieftaincy.

He said plans were afoot to review the Bogosi Act, adding that dikgosi should be treated with respect, most importantly by the tribes they led.

He indicated that their term of office should not be compared to that of politicians since they were regulated by the Bogosi Act.

The Vice President was responding to Mr Motlamma in Khumaga who had requested that the term of office for dikgosi, especially those appointed through polls, should be five years.

Tribal administration secretary in Boteti, Ms Atlarelang Garetshwane said headmen of arbitration were chosen by tribes at the kgotla and names chosen would be referred for approval.

She was responding to a resident who had requested an explanation on whether headmen of arbitration were chosen by the tribe or dikgosi.

Meanwhile, the Vice President said farmers who felt they were delayed by tractors could proceed with ploughing through broadcast planting but would not be paid.

He also stated that there would be no compensation for damages done by wild animals on fields ploughed through broadcast planting.

Khumaga Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Kgomotso Dihawa requested that prices for goods supplied to the school by residents be increased.

Mr Dihawa also requested localisation of ear tag services, and also decried the shortage of drugs at health facilities. ENDS