30 May 2022

Members of Ntlo ya Dikgosi have been encouraged to stay focused and ensure that the process of reviewing the constitution is given the support it deserves.

Accepting another two and half-year term as chairperson of the house during  its meeting in Gaborone yesterday, Batlokwa’s Kgosi Puso Gaborone said it was imperative that as the nation introspected through  review of the constitution, dikgosi should provide guidance more than ever before.

“As part of the team that administers the rule of law, we must take the constitution review seriously and come up with suggestions that build the nation. We must make sure that the exercise encourages the aspirations of our people and therefore encourages equity and unity,” he said

Noting that some had already suggested changes to dikgosi’s mandate, Kgosi Puso  encouraged the house to support and contribute meaningfully to the review process.

He said he was impressed by the fact that even prior to the appointment of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Review of the Constitution, Ntlo ya Dikgosi had already appointed a team tasked with making suggestions for reviewing the document.

“The team will present its findings to the house during the ongoing sitting,” he disclosed.  

Kgosi Puso also expressed appreciation for the support government was giving the bogosi institution in its efforts to ensure Botswana’s diverse traditions and cultures remained relevant.

 Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, was eager and determined to work with and support bogosi and dikgosi, he said.

Kgosi Puso said the media equally played an important part in bogosi as through its support, Ntlo ya Dikgosi and dikgosi were able to be in constant communication with the people.

He added that dikgosi’s mandate included uniting people and restoring all other principles that held the nation together.  

“As dikgosi, we have a mammoth task. Let us focus on our core mandate of among others restoring order, discipline and obeying the rule of law. Therefore we must work together,” he said.

The house, which commenced business with the election of the chairperson and deputy, was also briefed  by the commission, Independent Electoral Commission and  Ministry of Agriculture.

During the election, Kgosi Puso garnered 17 votes against Kgosi Malope II of Bangwaketse’s 12 and Kgosi Oscar Mosielele of Moshupa region’s four.

The highly contested deputy chairperson position saw Kgosi Tshipe Tshipe of Mahalapye region emerging victorious with 10 votes followed by Kgosi Moeti Monyamane of Kgalagadi North with seven, specially elected member Kgosi Oatleng Setlhodi, five, Kgosi Rebecca Banika of Chobe, four and Kgosi Kgari III of Bakwena, three.

Regarding the election, Kgosi Puso stated that the house must at the end of a two and half year period engage in an elective process to choose its leadership.

 “I, therefore, congratulate my deputy for also getting an opportunity to lead the house. God will guide you. Your renewed mandate is nothing new as you continue with what you have been doing,” he said.

He hailed the process for being transparent and fair and promised to lead through consultation.

Kgosi Puso said the process of choosing a leader would always have casualties as some won while others lost.

However, he said losing an election should not lead to despair. BOPA