Autlwetse: A life of service, political storm

Innocent Selatlhwa | Friday June 6, 2025 12:04

Also, who could forget his role as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development who stood against his Kgosikgolo Ian Khama and his tribesmen in favour of the then Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) regime. Autlwetse, who was a former councillor, stepped onto the national stage when he was elected as Member of Parliament for Serowe North East. That was after he defeated the then more prominent Member of Parliament (MP), Ramadeluka Seretse.

His biggest political job came in February 2022. After he lost elections in 2019, the president Mokgweetsi Masisi appointed him Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. The role placed Autlwetse at the centre of one of Botswana’s toughest tasks: improving livelihoods outside big towns and cities.

In this role, Autlwetse pushed hard for granted local areas more decision-making powers and resources, challenging Botswana’s long-centralised system. He also focused intensely on improving basic services in rural areas – clean water, roads, sanitation, healthcare, and economic chances.

His job required careful work with Dikgosi, a powerful and sometimes tricky relationship, especially in the Bammangwato jurisdiction. The appointment signalled Masisi’s trust in handling this vital ministry and maintaining support in the Central District.

Autlwetse’s time as minister unfolded during intense political fighting. A bitter public feud between former president Masisi and his predecessor Ian Khama poisoned the atmosphere. As a key Masisi supporter and MP coming from Khama’s tribal territory, Autlwetse was caught in the middle. Months after becoming minister, he suffered a personal attack.

His property in Serowe was set on fire in suspected arson. The government quickly labelled the incident politically motivated violence, blaming the Masisi-Khama feud.

The most difficult and controversial part of his career was involvement in the long fight over Bangwato leadership. After suspending Sediegeng Kgamane, who soon after resigned as Regent, a major dispute erupted over appointing a new regent.

Autlwetse, as local MP and minister responsible for Local Government interfacing with traditional leaders, was central. Khama became his fiercest critic.

He publicly accused Autlwetse of failing in his duty by not ensuring his (Khama) Regent Seretse Peter Khama was chosen properly and quickly, leaving the tribe in the hands of Serogola Seretse whom Khama did not approve of.

Khama claimed Autlwetse prioritised pleasing Masisi and the government over Bagammangwato customs or tribal welfare, arguing his actions showed disrespect for chieftainship and damaged unity.

The conflict peaked in November 2024. Autlwetse’s ministerial term ended. Around the same time, after court fights and tribal meetings, Ian had returned from exile in South Africa and took over as Kgosikgolo of the Bagammangwato.

This huge change meant Autlwetse’s strongest critic took the traditional leadership role. Ian’s ascension was widely seen as a major loss for Masisi’s influence over the Bagammangwato and a direct result of the battles Autlwetse had been part of. Some critics felt Autlwetse retained his position mainly due to loyalty to Masisi during the feud, rather than solely on merit.

Autlwetse’s story is complicated. The arguments over Bagammangwato leadership and the firebombing are a real part of his legacy, reflecting the toughness of Botswana’s politics during his time. He faced accusations of being a political pawn and criticism over his handling traditional matters in Gammangwato.

But it would be wrong to only remember the arguments. He genuinely believed in giving local communities more control. He worked hard to improve essential services for people in rural areas.

The newly elected BDP president, Mpho Balopi, is amongst dozens sending tributes to Autlwetse. He states that Autlwetse, aged 76, was a political trailblazer who dedicated his whole political life to BDP as a servant of the people.

'He rose through the ranks from his days as a councillor and, at his prime, he was a Cabinet minister. We celebrate his achievements and contributions to our nation and party,' Balopi stated.

He said in the days to come, they will pay him full and deserved tributes. 'Though sad, we intend to celebrate his life fondly and positively in the days to come with the guidance of his family. May KK rest in eternal peace,' Balopi stated.

Autlwetse's family issued a statement on Wednesday announcing that he had died at Gaborone Private Hospital following a long illness.

He served as MP for Serowe North from 2014 to 2019 under the BDP ticket and later served as a specially elected legislator from 2019 to 2024 after losing the seat to Botswana Patriotic Front.

Autlwetse started his political career in 1994 as a nominated councillor and later became chairperson for then Central District Council, now dissolved after elevating sub-councils to fully-fledged districts.

Autlwetse has under his name, positions of council treasurer, council chairperson and personnel officer, amongst others.

He holds Certificates in Accountancy, Business Studies, Public Administration and Personnel Management from Botswana Institute of Administration and Commerce (BIAC).

His political positions include that of Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.