27 Jan 2014

Kgosi Puso of Batlokwa and Kgosi Tshipe Tshipe of Mahalapye region have retained Ntlo ya Dikgosi chairmanship and deputy chairmanship respectively.

The two, who were unopposed, were re-elected at the official opening of the 14th meeting of the second Ntlo Ya Dikgosi on January 27 in a ceremony that was attended by, amongst others, the Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, some cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic missions and pupils of TlogaTloga Junior secondary school.

In his acceptance speech, Kgosi Puso thanked members for re-electing them, saying it was a sign of trust. Kgosi Puso said it was high time that Ntlo Ya Dikgosi be transformed into a traditional institution of repute and excellence.

He said the institution should lead in driving its mandate of advising Parliament on traditional and cultural matters. He therefore explained that it was imperative to raise the profile of the institution so that the organisation continues to be relevant by performing its function(s) as an advisory body to Parliament.

He said the institution had many challenges and that since 2008, they had submitted a number of proposals to the office of the Vice President for the amendment of the rules and procedures of the organisation.

He said Ntlo Ya Dikgosi had proposed that the term of office for the chairman should be extended from one year to two and half years and eventually five years, which is the lifespan of Parliament.

He said the decision to amend the rules and procedure regarding the term of office of the chairman was necessitated by the fact that one year was too short for the chairman and the deputy to fulfill their plans.

However, Kgosi Puso explained that the institution had made a number of achievements citing training of its members on computer systems which is part of capacity building.

The one week training course also covered topics on strategic planning with the main focus on balance score card with a strategic objective and vision to develop a strategic map so that the house performs is duties to high quality standards.

Kgosi Puso also said the institution planned to engage more other stakeholders in its Annual Ntlo Ya Dikgosi Cultural Day celebrations saying the traditional institution had so far in this regard partnered with the Chinese Cultural Association of International Understanding.

The House will discuss two Bills, the Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2013 and the Marriage Persons Properties Bill as well as questions and answers. ENDS