30 Jul 2025

The 2022 decentralisation initiative aimed primarily to improve administrative efficiency across regions, with officials clarifying that boundary delineations were not intended to affect existing jurisdictions or authorities.

Responding to a  parliamentary question, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, addressed concerns regarding the impact of boundary adjustments on tribal territories. 

He explained that, according to Section 4 (2) of the Local Government Act, the Ministry possessed the authority to establish councils primarily based on administrative considerations rather than tribal boundaries.

Mr Motshegwa said decentralisation process was designed to streamline governance and service delivery, ensuring that administrative boundaries facilitate better management without overriding traditional tribal jurisdictions.

He further explained that accordingly, Bogosi hierarchical structure and its associated territorial jurisdictions would be addressed through separate framework that respected tribal practices and customary norms.

However, he said it was important to highlight that the consultations on the review of Bogosi Act, 2008 were ongoing, in which they thoped to gather sufficient data. 

Bobirwa MP, Mr Taolo Lucas had asked the minister if there were any plans to decentralise chieftainship such that it is aligned to District boundaries and if so, whether he would consider motivating repeal of the Tribal Territories Act. ENDS