Tsogwane warns dikgosi not to dabble in partisan politics

 

Acting President Slumber Tsogwane says government highly recognises Bogosi as a unifying force in forging and maintaining national identity.To this end a five-year Strategic Plan 2018-2023 has been prepared for the Department of Tribal Administration with a view to heighten its value proposition and elevate the powers of Dikgosi to be commensurate with their responsibilities and relevance in the governance structures of the country.

Slumber indicated that in 2017/18, government took the decision to review the Bogosi Act, and progress has been satisfactory as the Draft Bill is under discussion by key stakeholders. “The Bogosi institution is enshrined in the Constitution, and is one of the key achievements of our multicultural society and democracy.

“In this regard, the democratic Botswana recognises the important place of our Dikgosi in the lives of many of our society. As Dikgosi, you know that the economic wellbeing of people is important. “The challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality continue to afflict Batswana. The global economy remains stagnant and our own country faces the problem of slow growth,” said Tsogwane when addressing a capacity building workshop for members of Ntlo ya Dikgosi in Gaborone this week. The Acting President expressed hope that the workshop will enhance the understanding of the functions of Ntlo ya Dikgosi.

It will also make clear distinction between the Constitutional requirements and the Bogosi Act with regard to Bogosi and Kgosi operatives, Tsogwane explained.He added that members of Ntlo ya Dikgosi would be empowered to approach critical issues affecting people and the country from different dimensions.  He said that at a highly successful consultative meeting with the members in Maun last year President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi urged them to continue to help in instilling unity, social cohesion and nation building.

“The president also urged you to emphasise your value systems which are informed by your rich customs and traditions. Part of our value systems are Botho, Tlotlo ya molao and kagiso among others. “He also cautioned you against being partisan as this can erode the peace and stability which we are accustomed with,” he said.  Tsogwane told the workshop that the country recently has been engulfed by horrific violence against women and children which goes against the country’s custom and the respect of human rights.

According to Tsogwane the government has declared all crimes against women and children as priority crimes to be dealt with. He appealed to Dikgosi to pioritise the fight against Gender Based Violence and crime in general. The acting president pledged his support to Bogosi as government is aware that the Bogosi institution will not be able to successfully perform its roles without proper support.