22 Jun 2022

Chobe is too small to be split into two constituencies, the Delimitation Commission has been told. 

Making a presentation before the commission in Kasane on Tuesday, Mr Mbangu Kashweeka said as per the 2022 Population Census, the constituency’s population did not grow enough to warrant splitting it. 

Saying one Member of Parliament could still manage the area, Mr Kashweeka however, implored the residents to come up with ways to increase the population. 

While the majority of speakers concurred that the constituency was too small to be divided, one resident, Mr Moffat Mwezi submitted notwithstanding, Chobe should still be divided into two constituencies. 

Mr Mwezi proposed that the two constituencies should be named Chobe Enclave East made up of Kasane, Lesoma, Pandamatenga, Ngwasha, Tsokatshaa, Manxotae and Zoroga and Chobe Enclave West, which would start from Sedudu Gate incorporating Muchenje, Mabele, Shaile, Savuti Camp, Khwai, Mababe up to Shorobe. 

He argued that the cultures of the two constituencies he proposed were similar and their vastness would help attract developments. 

In his submission, Mr Calvin Shamukuni suggested that Chobe should be maintained as it was because roping in areas which currently fell under the Central District such as Manxotae and Zoroga would result in poor service provision to the public. 

Mr Richard Kashweeka suggested that Chobe constituency should be demarcated according to the COVID-19 zonal boundaries. 

Earlier in his briefing, the chairperson of the Commission, Justice Mokwadi Gabanagae said it was appointed on May 13 this year in line with Section 64 of the Constitution, which stipulated its appointment when parliament had made a provision to alter seats of elected members in the National Assembly or following a national population census. 

He said the commission was appointed following the last census, although there was ongoing debate about altering the number of constituencies. 

Justice Gabanagae explained that constituencies would be divided in consideration of the population quota, which was derived from dividing the national population by the number of constituencies. 

He said the population quota for the 2022 delimitation was 41 000 people per constituency, as opposed to 35 000 in 2012. 

Gabanagae said according to the 2022 Population Census, Chobe had a population of 28 743. 

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Kgosi Thuso Wasetso applauded the government for constant consultation on constitutional issues, saying it was a sign of good democratic credentials. Ends