30 Jul 2025

The Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi has made a plea for the Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) Bill’s swift passage, saying some trusts generate millions annually, yet communities see little to no benefit. Responding to MPs debates during the second reading of the Bill on Tuesday, he accused certain trustees of diverting funds for personal allowances, meetings, and legal retainers, while the intended beneficiaries, being the communities were left behind.

“Some trustees use funds for their own benefit while communities suffer.

 The Bill must pass as soon as yesterday to curb this exploitation,” Mr Mmolotsi said. He said some politicians were part of the same corrupt trust structures and emphasised that the Bill sought to restore community empowerment through fair resource distribution and governance.

Mr Mmolotsi also addressed concerns about the qualifications required for trustees, saying while there must be accountability and financial literacy, the criteria would be amended to allow inclusion at junior education level.

He promised future capacity-building initiatives for trustees and reiterated that the Bill would remain open to amendments as needed. Prior to the minister’s response and during the debate of the Bill, Mahalapye East MP, Mr Augustine Nyatanga supported the Bill but called for key amendments.

Mr Nyatanga proposed that financially constrained trusts be assisted by the government to get started and noted that some areas without established trusts still possessed valuable resources such as sand. “Where there is no trust but resources exist, government must step in to empower communities,” Mr Nyatanga urged. He also called for strong governance mechanisms, saying politicians who misuse trust funds for personal gain must face consequences.

MP for Ngami, Mr Phillimon Aaron echoed same sentiments, supporting the Bill and condemning the misappropriation of funds. He emphasised that both traditional leaders and politicians could serve as ex-officio members on trusts’ boards to provide oversight.

Gaborone North MP, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile hailed the Bill as a progressive step in closing long-standing governance gaps. 

He emphasised that natural resources must benefit the communities in which they were found and praised the proposed Bill. “This Bill is about fighting poverty, about protecting the local economy and community empowerment,” MP Ntlhaile said. 

Francistown East MP, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima focused on financial controls, stressing that strong regulations were essential to deter corruption.

Nkange MP, Mr Motlhaleemang Moalosi raised concerns about community participation, saying there was need that they be engaged fully on the Bill.

He urged the minister to withdraw the Bill and conduct broader public consultations before it was brought to Parliament. Communities must fully participate in the drafting process, let us take this Bill back to the people,” MP Moalosi said. ENDS