06 Jun 2022

Traditional leaders should rise to the occasion and work hand in hand with government in the fight against social ills bedevilling the country, Ntlo Ya Dikgosi chairperson Kgosi Puso Gaborone has said.

Addressing the house yesterday, Kgosi Gaborone expressed concern at the high incidence of murder, rape and suicide in Botswana.

 There was also a growing trend of people, especially children, who went missing, he said. 

Kgosi Gaborone therefore challenged the country’s traditional leadership  to step up efforts in dealing with such issues to maintain the country’s integrity and build its image. 

“The institution of bogosi fosters peace, law and order and cultural traditions through its customary courts. I urge magosi to talk to their people, listen to their people and come up with solutions to all the social ills,” he said. The Ntlo Ya Dikgosi chairperson commended magosi for playing a critical role in Botswana’s democracy by maintaining tranquility, peace and harmony as well as shaping communities.  Kgosi Gaborone said traditional leaders had always played a significant role in the lives of their people. 

“Dikgosi always have discussions with their people on issues that affect them and they always come up with a solution that would benefit all. Let us put vigour and continue to do that for peace building and harmony in the nation,” he said. Kgosi Gaborone said building a culture of peace should be filtered through social values that were culturally embedded

That, he said, would ensure peace in the community and the country as a whole. 

Kgosi Gaborone also asked members to continue supporting government efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

“COVID-19 is very much alive, that is why we continue meeting virtually as per the Ministry of Health guidelines,” he said.  Ends