15 Jun 2025

The essence of consulting on the review of the Bogosi Act is not meant to fuel divisions among tribes, but to promote nation building, peace and stability, says the chairperson of the review committee, Kgosi Puso Gaborone.

Kgosi Puso said Botswana was unique for nurturing co-existence, peace and harmony among its tribes. He made the remarks in Maun on Friday when responding to some residents who felt that the consultations had the potential to divide the community, more so that some tribes and groups felt marginalised.

The concerned residents feared that the envisaged Bogosi Act would not make any impact, unless the Constitution and other legal frame works were subjected to the same. However, Kgosi Puso said Batswana strongly believed in the value of consultation as peace was nurtured through consensus. He said Tlokweng was a typical locality where different tribes with diverse cultures and languages lived in harmony.

“I am very proud that I lead an inclusive community that lives harmoniously and peacefully,” said Kgosi Puso, allying fears of the concerned residents.

He urged them to address the review of the Bogosi Act constructively focusing on maintaining stability and peace in the country. Kgosi Puso reiterated that the aim of the review was to strengthen the Bogosi system as it played a significant role in community building.

Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said the consultations were focused on getting the views of the community and not to impose decisions on them. He said government was promoting inclusive processes focusing on human rights, equality and economic empowerment hence the need to review some Acts and policies to align them with addressing challenges at hand.

“It is critical to do things basing on objectivity and come up with sound laws targeting programmes based on practicalities. Through the review of Bogosi Act, we want to empower and expand functions of Bogosi and everyone in the structure,” he added.

Furthermore, Mr Motshegwa revealed that the act also intends to recognise the title ‘Kgosikgolo’ which was commonly used but not in the Act as well as to recognise the role of the royal house.

Mr Simon Bojosi said recognising some Dikgosi as Paramount Chiefs over others fueled conflicts and division. He said Ngamiland was home to different tribes, living in relative peace under the Batawana authority.  Mr Bojosi said some tribes, classifying as marginalised groups, recently met in Sebina where they resolved to advise government to review the country’s Constitution and the Tribal Territory Act.

“We have approached the President, but he advised us to present our request before Minister Motshegwa. It appears he is neglecting our plea as he is now consulting the communities,” he added.

Another resident, Mr Moses Hikuama appreciated that the government was advocating for Bogosi to be progressive. Mr Hikuama expressed concern that even though government acknowledged the existence of certain tribes, their Dikgosi were not duly recognised, citing Kgosi of the Ovambanderu tribe.

He said even though the Ovambanderu was a well recognised tribe, their Kgosi currently held a rank in the Bogosi hierarchy, being that of Headman of Arbitration. Mr Hikuama argued that 80 per cent of tribes in Ngamiland were not Batawana, and called for the review of the Constitution to do way with provisions that undermined other tribes.  He said the law of the country must be a comprehensive legal framework promoting equality. ENDS