11 Aug 2022

Traditional leaders have been implored to refrain from using chieftainship to serve political interests and instead follow the example of chiefs who chose to abdicate.

   “Our former leaders in the likes of Kgosi Sir Seretse Khama and Kgosi Bathoen Gaseitsiwe have set a tone with regard to the relationship between bogosi and politics as they left the kgotla to join active politics,” said Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse

  Addressing traditional leaders in Maun August 9, he said the duo did not want to confuse people and cause instability but rather quit bogosi to pursue their political interests.

  Mr Autlwetse said it was time the chieftainship institution was separated from partisan politics as the duty of dikgosi was to unite the community, ensuring stability and settling disputes. Government, he stated, recognised bogosi as a strong arm of governance hence the establishment of Ntlo ya Dikgosi as an advisory body to Parliament.

As an institution that was central to governance, it should not be tainted by politics, stressed Mr Autlwetse. The minister warned that active involvement in politics would compromise their ability to execute their duties fairly and effectively.

  Mr Autlwetse said political affiliation was also divisive because community members who belonged to other parties viewed such traditional leaders in a different light.

  Politically active traditional leaders end up being used by politicians to canvass for votes on their behalf, he said.

Said the minister; “You should remain focused and maintain your position rather than being carried away by dirty politics”. 

The leaders were urged to support government by upholding the law and strengthening good governance.

In addition, they were advised to serve their communities and refrain from opposing government policies.

On another issue, Minister Autlwetse advised traditional leaders to design family trees in order to avoid succession disputes. 

The ministry, he said, was inundated with chieftainship conflicts which had to be resolved by the courts.

Minister Autlwetse said it was disturbing that pretenders to the throne ended up winning court cases and displacing rightful heirs.

Such things undermined the status of bogosi, he said.

He said the state of affairs had been exacerbated by the introduction of elections as under such a system favouritism ruled the day. ends