19 Jun 2025

Government is pushing for the introduction of Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) Bill, a legislation designed to empower communities and ensure they participate in the sustainable management of natural resources. 

The proposed bill, to be tabled in the next Parliament sitting, was the focus of consultations held on Tuesday in Gumare, where stakeholders from various sectors gathered to discuss its provisions and implications.

Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, emphasised the bill’s goal of fostering tangible community development. 

“This legislation is intended to formalise and enhance the existing policies that have guided natural resource management in our communities,” he said. 

He explained that, historically, community-based organisations (CBOs) have managed natural resources without a legal framework, generating millions of Pula annually. However, the benefits of these revenues have predominantly favoured a few leaders within community trusts. The new Act, he said  aimed to rectify this by mandating registration of community trusts with the CBNRM Office under the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 

Additionally, the bill requires CBOs to develop Urban and Village Development Plans with community involvement, ensuring fair distribution of wealth and resources, Minister Mmolotsi said. 

Dikgosi (traditional leaders) would serve as ex-officio members within the management structures, and the bill incorporated the Technical Advisory Council (TAC), which would provide expert advice on resource management, he said.

Principal Natural Resource Officer, Maika Maika, highlighted the bill’s focus on sustainable use. 

“The legislation seeks to protect not only natural resources but also our cultural heritage, ensuring communities benefit sustainably,” he stated. He also outlined qualifications for CBO Board members, including minimum education levels and residency requirements. 

Existing CBOs will have a 12-month grace period upon the law’s enactment to register and comply.

Stakeholders expressed mixed reactions to the proposals. Nokaneng Kgosi Kebonyetsala Fish welcomed the bill but raised concerns about financial mismanagement within community trusts. “There is a need for stricter oversight,” he said. 

He also opposed Dikgosi serving solely as ex-officio members, asserting that traditional leaders are vital custodians of resources.

Ms Ompolokile Mavona, Chairperson of Tubu Trust, highlighted capacity gaps among community trust members, especially in management and financial literacy. She called for more empowerment of Dikgosi within the bill to assist in community issues related to natural resources.

Kgosi Mokadi Masedi of Tubu echoed same sentiments, advocating for decision-making processes to be decentralised to district levels to avoid bureaucratic delays. 

He also stressed that community members and Dikgosi were well-versed in resource management and should have a greater role within the TAC.

Some residents expressed concerns over the balance of power saying TAC and the Director of Wildlife and National Parks seem to hold more authority than the communities. ENDS