Gov’t upskills Dikgosi
Mompati Tlhankane | Monday April 18, 2022 06:00
Responding to a question by Member of Parliament for Nata-Gweta Polson Majaga on Wednesday, Pule said currently they have a solid procedure which ensures that whoever is appointed as Kgosi is inducted so that he/she is aware of the dos and don’ts of the job. Majaga had asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development if he is aware that some Chief Representatives and Dikgosana lack basic knowledge and skills in managing Dikgotla and Dikgotlana and that others are involved in politics. Majaga had further asked the minister to state the training package for Dikgosi and Dikgosana so that they could diligently carry out their mandate. Pule also said in a situation where they have proof that a Kgosi is involved in politics, section 18 of the act states the actions that could be taken against such Kgosi. Pule said the Local Government & Rural Development ministers always write letters to dikgosi who are seen being actively involved in politics.
He stated that the Bogosi act stipulates the role of dikgosi and what they should do in case they no longer want to be dikgosi. “This is clear and it’s not confusing to anyone. I don’t want to believe that any of our dikgosi is confused. The act is clear when it comes to what the minister should do when a kgosi goes off the rails,” he said.
He said as a ministry they are aware that some dikgosi and dikgosana need some certain skills which might enable them to properly manage their dikgotla. Pule added that between the years 2018 and 2019 they took 76 dikgosi and dikgosana for refresher courses targeted towards improving their leadership skills. Pule also revealed that the ministry of Local Government & Rural Development also worked with Botswana Public Service College in an initiative which further taught dikgosi about chieftainship duties. “So far we have sent about 500 chiefs to this college. Our intention going forward is to continue with this and up skill all dikgosi from all levels.
Our aim is to up skill all dikgosi by the end of the year 2023,” he revealed. Pule indicated that so far they have orientated and inducted newly appointed dikgosi. “We have taught 29 dikgosi on case procedure, 54 on trial and executive of court orders, 31 on criminal and civil procedure and others on customary court procedures,” he said. Molebatsi added that going forward they aim to give dikgosi refresher courses.
He said despite the setbacks of Covid019 pandemic, they will keep on providing dikgosi and dikgosana with refresher courses on issues like gender based violence. “They should know how to handle an array of issues”.