03 Aug 2022

Traditional leaders have been urged to develop family trees to avoid succession conflicts. 

  The conflicts stemmed from lack of defined family trees that could guide identification of the rightful heir, stated Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Mr Kgotla Autlwetse Tuesday.

Minister Autlwetse, who was addressing Kweneng traditional leaders in Molepolole, said lack of proper succession line was the reason behind the decision to have dikgosi elected.

On another matter, he appealed to dikgosi to refrain from active participation in politics saying it had the potential to divide tribes along party lines.

Mr Autlwetse pointed out that some people who contributed to the constitutional review consultations had suggested that dikgosi be completely barred from joining politics.

He cautioned them against being used by politicians.

The minister also briefed dikgosi about the source of conflict between President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor Lt Gen. Ian Khama.

He said the conflict resulted in the former president leaving the Botswana Democratic Party to form the Botswana Patriotic Front which won four parliamentary seats in the 2019 general elections.

Mr Autlwetse said among General  Khama’s demands was a pension package different from that of his predecessors contrary to the constitutional provision.

In addition, the former president demanded three cooks, 15 security personnel each with  his/her gun, said the minister who revealed that General Khama  had also expected his brother, Mr Tshekedi Khama, to be appointed vice president.

Mr Autlwetse said all reconciliation efforts failed as the former president accused mediation teams of favouring President Masisi.

He said the President was still willing to meet General Khama for the two of them to iron out their differences.

For their part, dikgosi called for speedy reconciliation between the two men saying their conflict was a threat to national security.

They also concurred with the minister that succession plans should be developed to avoid conflicts.ENDS