29 Jul 2025

The proposed Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Bill, aimed at empowering local communities in the management and beneficiation of natural resource has continued to draw both strong support and notable criticism from lawmakers. 

Debating the Bill in Parliament on Monday, Mmadinare MP and also the Minister for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa backed the Bill, noting that community trusts have been hampered by mismanagement and underperformance. 

“The Bill will strengthen these trusts and bring about true community empowerment and beneficiation,” he said. Mr Motshegwa cited the Mmadinare Trust and Cooperative as a positive example and emphasised that community-led economic activities could help curb rural-urban migration by making livelihoods viable at the village level. He said communities must be empowered to actively participate in and benefit from the economy, adding that the legislation paves the way for development and community independence.

 Lentsweletau-Lephephe MP, Mr Tshenolo Bogatsu also threw his weight behind the Bill, stating that any gaps identified would be addressed through amendments rather than rejecting the legislation altogether. 

He emphasised the importance of public officers, especially politicians, being part of oversight committees led by a national director, and mentioned the need for local resources like morama, morula to directly benefit those concerned. For his part, Okavango West MP, Mr Kenny Kapinga raised concerns about past cases of corruption within community trusts. “Most of the benefits never reached the community, instead, they enriched a few individuals,” he said. While supporting the Bill’s objectives, MP Kapinga strongly opposed political interference in trust operations. “Let the trusts function autonomously, as legislators, we must play an oversight role, not interfere, but advise and capacitate,” he said. 

Mr Kapinga also stressed that natural resources must benefit the local people and granting trusts autonomy, within a clear legal framework, was key. Kanye East MP, Mr Prince Mosanana commended the minister for introducing the Bill, acknowledging that community trusts had long faced challenges, even during elections. He said it was a necessary tool to combat corruption, ensure transparency and deliver real economic benefits to rural communities. 

Gaborone Central MP and also Minister for International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale noted the Bill’s relevance, pointing out that many trusts were not delivering on their mandates. He said that existing gaps be quickly addressed and praised the Bill as part of broader legislative reforms. 

Dr Butale said the Bill sought to protect both natural and cultural heritage, while ensuring fair participation, accountability and economic benefits for communities, particularly those bordering protected areas and involved in eco-tourism, hunting, and harvesting of natural products. 

Kgatleng East MP Mabuse Pule described the Bill as “a wonderful proposal,” although he pointed out it had to be modified along the way. 

He welcomed the Bill but flagged ongoing concerns about mismanagement within trusts, saying, “oversight and capacity-building are essential.” Kgatleng West MP, Dr Unity Dow took a dissenting stance, warning that the bill would undermine the independence of Community-Based Organisations (CBOs). She argued that the legislation was too controlling, proposing to regulate all CBOs and introducing annual registration requirements and government-appointed boards without clearly defined roles. “This bill cannot stand in its current form,” she said, urging the minister to return to the drawing board. ENDS