Bogosi documentation to avoid succession conflicts

Pini Bothoko | Monday March 17, 2025 11:03

The Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, has called for profiling and documentation of Bogosi to prevent future succession conflicts. The minister made the remarks at a recent Tribal Administration Leadership Forum that was held at the Royal Aria in Tlokweng. He emphasised the importance of profiling and documenting Bogosi lineages to prevent future conflicts stating that courts should not be used to decide who should be the rightful heirs of Bogosi. “We cannot allow courts to decide who should be the rightful heirs of Bogosi. This is contrary to our culture and undermines the essence of our diverse customs,” Motshegwa said.

He urged Dikgosi to take an active role in ensuring that succession matters are clearly recorded and recognised in their communities. He further proposed that the government officially gazette documented lineages, which, if unchallenged, would guarantee peaceful transitions of leadership. He stated that doing so would also reduce unnecessary litigation and ensure stability within the leadership structures. Motshegwa further addressed the current retirement process for Dikgosi, noting that some have been forced to retire after turning 60 years old despite the law allowing them to serve until 80. “We will ensure that Dikgosi can access their pensions at 60 and continue serving under a new employment arrangement. These proposed reforms are part of a broader government effort to modernise traditional leadership while honouring Botswana’s rich cultural heritage,” he said.

Motshegwa further shed light on the restructuring of the Tribal Administration Department, which he said will involve consultative meetings with staff, ministry management, and trade unions. He further highlighted the importance of leadership and governance in achieving high performance within the ministry.

“By following the simple principles of good leadership and governance, we can transform our tribal administration into a high-performing institution. We must ensure that our system is aligned with best practices, modern, and efficient. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and relevance of traditional leadership structures in a rapidly changing Botswana,” Motshegwa said. Bogosi plays a pivotal role in the administrative, judicial, political, and social systems in Botswana, it is an institution that is amenable to change and align itself with modern dictates, and this has been demonstrated by, among others, its ability to accommodate women as dikgosi.

Dikgosi perform modern and traditional duties, which are part and parcel of the process of governance. Despite allegations that the government has in the past rendered the institution irrelevant, bogosi has in fact become the pillar of progress and it is indispensable in the running of modern Botswana, it has emerged. However, for years Bogosi has been surrounded by disputes, which usually resurface when a chief retires or passes leaving relatives and the community quarreling on who should be his or her successor, arguments that usually find their way to the courts.