02 Sep 2026

Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs is committed to strengthening the institution of Bogosi as it values the critical role Dikgosi play in nation-building.

Speaking at the Dikgosi and Court Presidents Forum held in Francistown on Tuesday, Minister Ketlhalefile Motshegwa stated that the government recognised Bogosi as a fundamental pillar of governance and community development.

As such, he urged Dikgosi to uphold strong leadership, noting that the success of communities and institutions depended on good governance.

“I deeply and warmly cherish your devoted, exemplary leadership and guidance in our society,” Mr Motshegwa said.

He further encouraged Dikgosi to help shape a practical and implementable strategy that responded to the evolving needs of local communities.

He emphasised that strengthening collaboration between hereditary and elected leadership was key to promoting peace, resolving disputes and accelerating development. Furthermore, the Minister challenged Dikgosi to identify opportunities within their respective districts to stimulate local economic growth while preserving Botswana’s rich cultural heritage.

“We need innovative, community-driven solutions that can be replicated across the country to improve the livelihoods of citizens,” he said.

In his remarks, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal (North), Kgosi Christopher Masunga, said the forum must elevate Bogosi beyond ceremonial duties and integrate it into active governance.

“This forum exists to draw Dikgosi more deliberately into the business of governance and the delivery of services to our people. For too long, Bogosi has been treated as ceremonial, a matter of statutes and titles rather than the working institution it has always been,” Kgosi Masunga said.

He welcomed the draft strategy’s recognition of ‘Empowered Traditional Leadership, Bogosi’ as a strategic pillar, as well as its commitment to reviewing the Bogosi Act, the Customary Courts Act, and the Tribal Territories Act.

“The strategy commits to moving beyond the symbolic treatment of Dikgosi, upgrading Tribal Administration infrastructure, clarifying our judicial mandates, and positioning Bogosi as central actors in grassroots decision-making,” he said.

During the discussions, Dikgosi proposed several measures to strengthen the institution of Bogosi and improve collaboration with other stakeholders such as greater involvement of traditional leaders in district planning processes alongside councillors to ensure their roles complement each other in community development. For her part, the acting Permanent Secretary, Ms Tshepo Kebakile, said the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme, provided a roadmap for improving local governance, strengthening traditional administration and enhancing service delivery. ENDS