27 Nov 2019

Being elected a member of Ntlo ya Dikgosi was a dream come true for the youthful Kgosi Oateng Setlhodi of Chanoga in the Ngamiland District.

Kgosi Setlhodi was recently appointed a specially elected member of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, a place where traditional leaders meet and discuss national issues affecting their ethnic groups, customs and traditional privileges.

In an interview, Kgosi Setlhodi could not hide his joy, noting that he had long envisaged being a member of Ntlo ya Dikgosi.

He said he was shocked when he received the good news that he had been appointed to join Ntlo ya Dikgosi.

“I could not believe what I heard. I was over the moon.

I literally cried in my office because to me it was a dream that came true,” he said.

He explained that it was unfortunate that he received the news through a phone a day before the inauguration of members of Ntlo ya Dikgosi and he was forced to travel the whole night to be part of the ceremony.

His interest to represent Batawana at Ntlo ya Dikgosi, he said developed four years back after he ascended to the royal position.

Kgosi Setlhodi was installed in 2012 and showed interest to contest for a seat at Ntlo ya Dikgosi.

If he could have pursued his ambition, he would have completed his term in 2019.

He revealed that he declared his interest to some fellow trusted colleagues who fully supported his idea.

Later, he decided to withdraw from the race as many headmen of arbitration showed interest.

Asked why he wanted to be part of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Setlhodi was quick to point out that he realised that the place was a good platform to lobby and advocate for issues affecting the community.

He appreciated that Ntlo ya Dikgosi continued to do well in addressing issues of public concern, noting that the institution played a key role in the country’s development.

Ntlo ya Dikgosi, he said, also played an advisory role to the National Assembly on issues of national interest.

He promised to do his best at Ntlo ya Dikgosi so that his voice could be heard and further promised to discuss issues affecting the Ngamiland community and the nation at large.

Some of the issues Kgosi Setlhodi intends tackling include tertiary education, climate change and infrastructure development in Ngamiland.

He said climate change was a serious challenge in the district more so that the community depended solely on livestock rearing.

He stated that he would advocate for urgent mitigating factors to reduce the impact brought by climate change such as severe drought resulting in water sources drying up.

Joining Ntlo ya Dikgosi, he said was an added advantage to his job as a leader, as he would learn, interact and emulate good practices from fellow colleagues.

Kgosi Setlhodi assured Batawana of an active participation and good representation, noting that together with fellow members from the district he would ensure that they work as a unit.

Lastly, he thanked the country’s leadership for recognising his efforts and capabilities as a young person and promised to deliver to the expectations.

Kgosi Setlhodi is one of the traditional leaders who had made significant strides within his community.

Those close to him describe him as a remarkable leader who puts his communities’ lives first and are eager to restore dignity among his people.

They said he was vibrant, brave and an inspiring leader who believed in teamwork and perfection.

Although was is not born with blue blood, he has all the qualities of a true leader.

Kgosi Setlhodi revealed that he grew up in a traditional setup not knowing that one day he would grow into a reputable figure with the ability to lead a village.

Remaining humble and down to earth has earned him the respect of his community, particularly that he is a visionary leader who believes that people have thoughts and should be accorded the opportunity to turn them into actions. ENDS