UDC victory: Khama’s happy return to Kgotla
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday November 5, 2024 13:54
There were indications that government would attempt to frustrate his efforts as it hadn't allowed his royal uncles to hold Kgotla meetings in his name. However, the Umbrella for Democratic Change’s (UDC) victory made things easy for Khama to enter his Kgotla without fearing objection from Mothusa Kgosi Serogola Seretse and outgoing Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse. Khama officially announced his resumption of duties as the Kgosi of Bagammangwato a day before the 2024 General Election.
In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Department of Tribal Administration, Khama stated: 'Effective from November 4, 2024, I shall assume my rightful office as Kgosi of the Bagammangwato tribe and commence exercising and performing the powers and duties vested in me under the Bogosi Act and the Bagammangwato customary law.' Khama referenced the Bogosi Act, highlighting that his recognition as Kgosi is in accordance with Section 5(1) of the Act, which mandates that 'no one shall hold or assume the Bogosi of any tribe unless recognised as a Kgosi'. He further reinforced his position by citing Government Notice No.294 of 1979, which acknowledged his status as the Paramount Chief of Bagammangwato. In light of his return, Khama declared: 'I hereby retract my previous designation of Seretse Peter Khama as Motshwarelela Bogosi jwa Bagammangwato and rescind my request to the Minister for his appointment as such.'
He also clarified that his position is not governed by the provisions of the Public Service Act, referring to a judgment by Justice Ranier Busang, which confirms that Bogosi is exempt from the public service employment framework. In an interview with The Monitor, Khama claims he knew it was time the error he made by selecting Mokgweetsi Masisi as his successor be rectified. Ever since returning to Botswana in September, Khama made it a mission to traverse Botswana de-campaigning Masisi and the BDP at times at the cost of his own party. Though his party, the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) secured only five parliamentary seats, Khama expressed his delight at the BDP losing grip on power and hopes to live his life freely under the UDC rule. The BPF has since issued a statement wishing Khama well. “The public is informed that after extensive consultation with the National Executive Committee of BPF on behalf of the party, it has released its patron to allow him to take up his traditional role as Kgosikgolo. The decision to do so wasn't an easy one as he has been extremely pivotal to the growth of our organisation and in particular his contribution to changing the political landscape of our country. We wish to thank him immensely for his support and tireless efforts in shaping BPF. May the Almighty God continue to protect and give him immeasurable wisdom as he leads his tribe into the future,” the party stated.
Khama would have returned to the Kgotla in 2018 after the end of his term. However, his feud with Masisi led to his extended stay in politics.