14 Nov 2019

Reverend Kgosi Kegaisamang Ramokwena of Boseja ward in Maun has vowed to tackle issues affecting headmen of arbitration and those affecting Batawana in general during his term at Ntlo-ya-Dikgosi.

He was recently elected to represent Maun region at Ntlo-ya-Dikgosi following a contest between him and Kgosi Oleyo Ledimo who wanted to retain the position. 

Rev. Kgosi Ramokwena was voted by 35 headmen against his opponent who got 34 votes. 

He will be joining Ntlo ya Dikgosi for the second time as he was first elected in 2009-2014.

In an interview, Rev. Kgosi Ramokwena thanked traditional leaders for entrusting him with the responsibility to represent them at Ntlo-ya-Dikgosi and assured them a balanced representation during his tenure.

He promised to execute his duties efficiently and effectively noting that he was aware of the issues that concerned traditional leaders especially headmen of arbitration which he said he would make them a priority during the first session of Ntlo-ya-Dikgosi.

Rev. Kgosi Ramokwena said it was a pity that headmen of arbitration were not treated equally noting that some were employed as permanent and pensionable while some were paid allowance on a monthly basis.

He argued that all headmen of arbitration should be treated equally as they executed the same duties, adding that they were also overwhelmed with disputes.

“This issue needs to be revisited for a better solution as headmen are doing all their best to serve the community,” he added.

He appreciated those headmen of arbitration who had volunteered to go an extra mile by working beyond the stipulated times, citing that they assist in issues of proof of Boswa, deaths on a daily basis before the issues could proceed to the main kgotla.

Other issues affecting the community, which he promised to debate was the Ngamiland beef market. Rev. Kgosi Ramokwena said the community traditionally depended on rearing of livestock but they continued to suffer as far as the market was concerned.

Furthermore, he noted that they had commercial farms at Hainaveld but they were not benefiting despite practising proper management methods on rearing of livestock.

He appreciated that Ntlo-ya-Dikgosi was an advisory body to the National Assembly on issues that affect the nation and believed the issues would be looked into.

He assured his fellow members in Maun region to engage them and give feedback after every session of Ntlo-ya-Dikgosi. 

He said he would be representing Maun region for the last time at Ntlo-ya-Dikgosi. Ends