BCP advocates for better welfare for Kgaphamadi residents

Residents of Kgaphamadi settlement, located in the Gaborone Region near the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, eagerly await the Ministry of Lands' response to their petition addressing their long-standing marginalisation.

The matter has been dragging for ages, with residents concerned about what is likely to happen to them. They resorted to approach the opposition, Botswana Congress Party (BCP) to advocate for them.

On November 28th, Member of Parliament for Sefhare-Ramokgonami, Dr. Kesitegile Gobotswang, submitted the petition on their behalf to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Phendu Skelemani. Notably, Minister of Lands

Dr Kefentse Mzwinila was absent due to official duties on the day of the petition submission.

During one of the parliamentary debates and passing, Leader of the House and Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane, acknowledged the government's receipt of the petition, assuring a corresponding response.

As per legal requirements, Minister Mzwinila will eventually present the government's stance on the matter.

Prior to the Delimitation Commission's 2022 report release, Kgaphamadi was part of the Mmopane-Lentsweletau Constituency but has since been relocated to Gaborone North under the jurisdiction of the current city mayor, Austin Abraham.

With the matter having been submitted to parliament, it means Member of Parliament for Gaborone North where Kgaphamadi has been relocated to, Mpho Balopi, Member of Parliament for Mmopane- Lentsweletau Naniki Makwinja and City Mayor Abraham are hamstrung to comment, as government is duty bound to respond, according to Gobotswang.

The residents' petition outlines a history of marginalisation, spanning over a decade, including denial of residential and agricultural land, as well as essential services like water, healthcare, and education. The petition alleges deception and mistreatment by the country's leadership.

Kgaphamadi, although not officially recognised by the Botswana Government, asserts its legitimacy, citing the existence of an official kgotla with a government-paid Kgosi and a Village Development Committee (VDC) supported by government funds.

The core grievance arises from the government's relocation plan initiated around 2008, ostensibly for the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport expansion. Despite promises of fair compensation and a humane process, Kgaphamadi residents claim they were deceived.

The village has now been incorporated into Gaborone, and many residents remain without homes, facing corruption and fraud in the compensation process.

The petitioners demand land allocation in Gaborone, clustered in a specific residential area, retaining their traditional leadership. They seek fair compensation, a transparent relocation and compensation procedure, and immediate access to essential services.

Additionally, they request an inquiry into the handling of the matter by the government and Parliament, focusing on missing funds and allocated land.