06 Oct 2019

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi was among the multitudes who thronged the Batawana kgotla in celebration of Kgosi Tawana Moremi’s 50th birthday.

The spectacular event organised by Kgosi Tawana’s regiment Matsaakgang also attracted relatives, friends and well-wishers from Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Speaking during the event, President Masisi told Batawana that some of their issues would be resolved amicably citing the Maun Educational Park which the tribe had long called on the government to return it to the community.

The issue dates back to 2014 following a decision by Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) that the government wanted to change the land use of Maun Educational Park to develop five-star accommodation and entertainment facilities, conference venues as well as a restaurant site.

Batawana including Kgosi Tawana was against the decision noting that history indicated that the land where the park was situated was a tribal land and requested the government to give back the Maun Educational Park (MEP) to its owner.

President Masisi acknowledged that Kgosi Tawana used to debate the issue at Parliament but assured Batawana that they would get their property back following the laid government procedures.

He explained that the issue was being handled by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism to process and return the property to the land board.

After that, he said the community’s trust would apply for the park and the land board would allocate it to them.

President Masisi also pointed out that the issue of the chief’s island concession would also be allocated through the same process.

He said the aim was to restore peace and stability, noting that the community should not be mistreated as it procedurally requested what belonged to them.

President Masisi shared his relationship with the royal house adding that attended the celebration in his capacity as the President who understood the importance of the Kgotla system.

He said the Kgotla was an important place where leaders and their subjects discussed issues freely as it was tradition and norm of Batswana.

He President Masisi also thanked Batawana for giving their paramount chief a chance to take part in active politics describing him as an intelligent man who served the nation wholeheartedly.

He said Kgosi Tawana was instrumental during his term at Parliament as he stood his ground when debating Ngamiland issues.

He also appreciated his contribution at Ntlo-ya-Dikgosi before he joined politics stating that he laid a legacy that his children would maintain.

President Masisi presented a gift from his family to Kgosi Tawana and wished him many more years to come.

The acting paramount chief, Kgosi Kealetile Moremi thanked President Masisi for honouring the event noting that he had demonstrated love towards Batawana.

She described her brother Kgosi Tawana as a respectful, loving and reserved man who promoted unity within the family and the community.

For his part, Kgosi Tawana concurred with her, saying the President had showered Batawana with love and thanked him for embracing his birthday celebration.

He also thanked the government for listening to the community’s concerns noting that he had given up on the land issue as there was no hope that it would be resolved.

He thanked President Masisi for responding positively to their issues adding that it was important to consult and solve issues amicably.

“The government has to listen to its people and give answers based on reasons,” he added. ENDs