23 Feb 2026

The naming of central government facilities in Botswana follows a structured, centralised process that emphasises community participation and national oversight, as outlined in Section 8.7.1 (b) of the National Guidelines on Naming of Streets, Roads, Public Facilities and Localities.

This was explained by Moshupa Council Secretary, Mr Mompati Pheko during a recent full council meeting. The explanation by the council secretary followed a query from Kgosi Oscar Mosielele of Moshupa, who had sought clarity on the criteria used to name the new Moshupa primary hospital, which currently bears signage reading “Edison Setlhomo Masisi Memorial Hospital.”

Mr Pheko further said the relevant government department or agency initiated and led the process for facilities under its purview.

“It begins by consulting the local community in the project area, collecting name proposals via Village Development Committees, Ward Development Committees, or direct written submissions from individuals,” he said.

These proposals are then submitted to the department or agency. Mr Pheko said the department presented them to the appropriate Urban or District Development Committee for discussion, citing that the Physical Planning Unit compiled a report, which was presented to the Physical Planning Committee.

He said proposals then go to the Full Council for consideration. “After council review, feedback is sought from the relevant ministry, and once approved at the council level, the proposal is forwarded to Cabinet for final endorsement — a key distinction from local authority facilities, which conclude at the council stage.”

Following Cabinet approval, names are sent to the Department of Surveys and Mapping for inclusion in the national database, and authorities must display them within a reasonable period, he said.

Kgosi Mosielele had acknowledged the significant development the hospital represented but stressed the need to understand the naming criteria. He noted that during an earlier kgotla meeting, which was adjourned before completion, community members had proposed the name “Pilane.” They were told further consultations would occur across district settlements to gather additional suggestions.

He added that on July 11, 2025, during another kgotla meeting, residents questioned how the hospital received its current name. To respond effectively to his community, Kgosi Mosielele requested legal documentation or official records on the process.

He clarified that he was not opposed to the chosen name but needed to explain the criteria transparently. Understanding a prior report that the council is not responsible for naming central government facilities, he asked the council to forward his request to the relevant authorities.

In response, council members confirmed that the House had been consulted on potential names, including “Pilane” and “Edison Setlhomo Masisi.” Suggestions emerged during discussions to seek consent from the Masisi family before using the name. Members saw no issue with honoring one of Moshupa’s first Members of Parliament in this way. 

They emphasised that criteria and final decisions rest with the ministry as the process custodian, not the council. They also noted the hospital’s benefits, including improved healthcare access and potential local job creation.

Contacted for comment, Ministry of Health Chief Public Relations Officer Dr Christopher Nyanga said the ministry adopts names submitted by the district or community, facilitated by the District Commissioner. He directed queries on the naming process and any related issues to district leadership.

Earlier, in presenting the District Development Committee (DDC) report, Principal District Development Officer Mr Tebogo Mekwe reported the hospital’s progress at 99 per cent. It is expected to open in April 2026.

The partial handover of the administration block and supplies unit occurred on November 3, 2025, with about 20 staff members deployed to prepare for operations. The project faced delays due to funding challenges amongst others, he said. BOPA