17 Jul 2025

Concerns have been raised regarding the financial management of the Pandamatenga, Lesoma, and Kazungula (PALEKA) Trust, with claims of over P2.1 million reportedly unaccounted for.

Addressing a press conference in Francistown on Wednesday, the chairperson of the PALEKA Board of Trustees, Mr Kabozu Kabozu said preliminary investigations suggest a substantial fund withdrawals from the trust’s account during the period from 2018 to 2023, a time when the board was inactive.

According to Mr Kabozu, these withdrawals were allegedly authorised by the Chobe District Commissioner’s office, which served as the signatory to the account.

Mr Kabozu expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency from the Chobe District Commissioner’s Technical Advisory Committee, which operates under the Office of the District Commissioner.

Despite multiple attempts to seek clarification regarding the alleged mismanagement of trust funds, the committee has reportedly not provided satisfactory answers.

“The Chobe District Commissioners office, as the overseer of the trust, has been uncooperative. We are determined to pursue this matter to ensure justice is served. We will uncover how the funds were utilised and hold accountable those responsible,” stated Mr Kabozu.

The Chairperson said the matter had been reported to the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) for thorough investigation.

He emphasised that the missing P2.1 million could significantly enhance the livelihoods of the beneficiaries.

Mr Kabozu said upon taking office in 2023, the current board discovered significant financial irregularities, raising concerns that this could be the reason behind resistance to its findings.

Mr Kabozu dismissed rumours circulating on social media suggesting the current board was suspended, asserting that the board remained in operation and that all trust accounts were active.

He said despite inherited financial challenges, over 80 percent of staff salaries had been settled, adding that Village Development Funds had been distributed to the communities.

He also shared that the board had resolved a legal dispute that resulted in over P8 million being paid to the trust’s beneficiaries.

The Chairperson noted the challenging circumstances faced by the board since its official institution, citing allegations of destabilisation and misinformation, primarily driven by social media, having impacted the board’s efforts to gain community trust.

Regarding governance, Mr Kabozu stated that the board successfully conducted its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 30 years since the establishment of the trust, despite initial disruptions.

He also addressed concerns regarding the participation of the Basubiya tribe in the board’s composition, stressing compliance with the trust’s constitution, which he said did not discriminate basing on ethnicity.

Mr Kabozu however, highlighted several achievements of the current board, including the maintenance of primary schools within the PALEKA regions and the procurement of essential resources such as high-tech photocopying machines for educational institutions.

Furthermore, Mr Kabozu informed the media that the court had issued a restraining order against the Permanent Secretary in the parent ministry to prevent undue influence on the trust’s activities, although interference continued to persist.

He concluded by underscoring the importance of proper management of trusts in the Chobe District to uplift the standard of living for its residents.

He called for heightened oversight from the government to prevent incidents of potential mismanagement and corruption.

Mr Kabozu reiterated the board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement, asserting the necessity of these principles in managing natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. ENDS