During the last day of their meeting, the Dikgosi posted 34 questions, of which only two were answered. Despite the House seating for only five days, Cabinet ministers found it hard to make time to answer questions from tribal leaders. Thirty-two questions were deferred due to the unavailability of the ministers. Reasons could be a million, but it is unacceptable.
Ntlo ya Dikgosi is an advisory body to the National Assembly on issues of national interest as set out in the Constitution. Amongst others, ”Dikgosi are empowered to discuss any matter within the executive or legislative authority of Botswana of which it considers is desirable to take cognisance in the interests of the tribes and tribal organisations it represents and to make representations thereon to the President, or to send messages thereon to the National Assembly.”
The House meets three times a year for a period of two weeks per meeting (only one week in the house). However, they can meet more than three times where exigency demands. They meet in January, June and October. It is therefore worrisome and inexcusable that the whole Cabinet and all other stakeholders involved could not make it a possibility to address questions from Dikgosi.
Amongst issues before the House that needed immediate attention, Kgosi Oscar Mosielele of Moshupa wanted to request government to suspend the implementation of the Tribal Land Act of 2018 to allow for further consultations with the public. Unfortunately, his motion could not be on the floor as the Minister responsible, Kefentse Mzwinila was not available. This was a crucial motion and it would have been interesting to hear out what Dikgosi as natural custodians of the land had to say. Critics have already raised issues about the Act, and Dikgosi as active players, should be heard out. The debate has always been that Dikgosi are becoming irrelevant. We call on President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his Cabinet to prove naysayers wrong and treat tribal leaders with the respect they deserve. Plans for their meetings are known well in time and ministers should be there to address their questions. By convening in Gaborone for the period of two weeks, costs are incurred and there should be something to show for it. We further call on all civil servants involved in the planning to ensure that ministers are available for Dikgosi.
Today's thought
“Never has man reached his destination by persistence in deviation from the straight path.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
