04 Mar 2019

Land dispute management requires prudent adjudicators, Maun based attorney, Mr Lawrence Lecha of Lecha and Associates has said.

Giving a keynote address at the annual Land Tribunal awards ceremony in Maun on March 1, Mr Lecha observed that land was a scarce and sensitive commodity that had the potential to cause conflicts if disputes were not managed procedurally.

Mr Lecha commended government for realising the need to establish Land Tribunal courts.

He noted some developments by the Land Tribunal in service delivery, saying the tribunal had advanced courts with operational recording systems that other courts in the country failed to maintain

He also observed the aspect of presiding over land planning cases by the Land Tribunal as a welcome development.

Mr Lecha encouraged Land Tribunal officers to be guided by principles, morals and ethics that would contribute to a well-rounded character necessary in adjudication.

He noted that their job required dedicated personnel who could sacrifice since they dealt with different characters of people from society.

Attorney Lecha commended the awardees for their commitment to service delivery. He said non-recipients were also important in the cycle of the success of the company as supporting staff.

Land Tribunal chief president, Ms Sampa Kaisara said the annual awards, which were coupled with team building exercises, were meant to recognise excellent performers and network.

Awardees received prizes for best performers in cadres, best Land Tribunal member, long service award, employee of the year and Land Tribunal president’s award from all the stations of Maun, Palapye, Francistown and Gaborone.

Mr Gordon Letsoge received the chief president special award. Awarding the prize, Ms Kaisara said Mr Letsoge deserved the prize as the most senior employee of Land Tribunal. 

She noted that he joined the tribunal a year after its establishment in 1998 up to his retirement.

She said Mr Letsoge has served for 42 years in total. She described him as a dedicated worker who was knowledgeable and assisted fellow workers.

For his part, Mr Letsoge used the opportunity to say goodbye to his colleagues. 

He said he had studied land related issues all his life, and that the Land Tribunal would remain close to his heart. ENDS