Government has clarified that the National Order of Precedence is a protocol tool and not a ranking of social worth, amid questions in Parliament about the placement of Dikgosi.

Answering a question on Tuesday, Assistant Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Ms Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti, told Parliament the order was designed to determine ceremonial recognition at official functions. It does not diminish the dignity or importance of any office.

“The National Order of Precedence was not intended to constitute a hierarchy of social worth or importance, nor does a particular position in the Order diminish the dignity, status or significance of the institution or office concerned,” Ms Mophuting-Dikoloti said.  She explained that the order was structured around Botswana’s constitutional and institutional framework. It considers the nature of an office, its mandate, and the authority attached to it.

The assistant minister said the order “necessarily begins with the highest constitutional and governmental offices, including the President, Vice-President and Ministers,” followed by senior offices in the Legislature, Judiciary and other public institutions.

On the role of traditional leadership, Ms Mophuting-Dikoloti said Dikgosi occupy “a unique and important place in Botswana’s governance and national identity.”

“Dikgosi played a significant role in preserving Botswana’s culture and traditions, promoting social cohesion, providing community leadership and contributing to the stability and unity of the country,” she said. Addressing concerns about their ranking, she noted that Members of the Ntlo ya Dikgosi, when considered as a group, are placed ahead of several senior public offices. “Within the overall structure of the National Order of Precedence, Members of the Ntlo ya Dikgosi... are accorded a significant position, being placed ahead of a number of senior public offices, including the Permanent Secretary to the President, the Attorney General, Judges of the High Court, Heads of International Organisations, the Governor of the Bank of Botswana, and Mayors and Council Chairpersons,” she said. Ms Mophuting-Dikoloti stressed the difference between protocol precedence and actual recognition.  

“It is important to distinguish protocol precedence from the recognition, status and importance accorded to an office or institution.  The placement of Dikgosi should not be interpreted as indicating low recognition or diminished status,” she said. She added that government remains mindful that the order must reflect Botswana’s constitutional, institutional and cultural circumstances. Any amendments, she said, would have to be considered holistically, taking into account the roles of all institutions concerned.

“Government would therefore continue to keep the Order of Precedence under review and would consider any appropriate amendments where these are justified in the interests of maintaining a coherent and appropriate protocol framework for the Republic of Botswana,” she said. The assistant minister was responding to MP for Lentsweletau/Lephephe, Mr Tshenolo Bogatsu, who asked if government would consider amendments to give Dikgosi greater honour, noting they are currently placed at No.14 in the order. ENDS