Tensions flare up in Nkange
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday September 8, 2025 15:53
At the centre of the tension is a controversial initiative by Kgosi Ian Khama, which many regard as an attempt to create a parallel governance structure that bypasses local democratic processes. Earlier this year, Kgosi Khama called a gathering of village leaders from areas traditionally referred to as the Gammangwato territory. Khama had made it public that he will be making independence celebrations in Serowe, and all traditional groups, football teams, amongst others that fall under the GammaNgwato territory will be competing. His instruction was clear: each village should form 10 local committees, each one aligned with a national ministry – such as Health and Wellness, Sports and Culture, Investment, and Entrepreneurship. These committees, composed of eight to 10 members each, were to report directly to him, effectively establishing a private network of village-level operatives under his command. On paper, the plan might have appeared well organised.
However, this did not go well with the area Member of Parliament, Motlhaleemang Moalosi, who said:” In reality, it raised serious concerns – particularly in constituencies such as Nkange, which lies outside of Khama's traditional jurisdiction. With 17 villages, Nkange would have seen over 1,300 individuals enlisted into this structure,” Moalosi had explained that on his Facebook page, which caused a lot of debate. For many, including Moalosi, this signaled not empowerment but an attempt to assert external tribal authority over communities with their own leadership and diverse identities. “It was nothing short of overreach,” said Moalosi. “I could not, in good conscience, support a system that seeks to concentrate control in the hands of a single traditional leader, especially one who holds no traditional jurisdiction over our constituency.”
Moalosi warned that the structure, if allowed to proceed, would undermine existing local leadership, cause confusion in service delivery, and deepen existing tribal divisions. However, the backlash to his criticism came swiftly. The Bangwato Tribal Administration issued a public statement rebuking Moalosi’s remarks, labeling them “tribalistic, divisive, and unfortunate.”
According to a press release dated August 28, 2025, 'the tribal territory that Gammangwato reside in is that which is recognised by law and by tradition and encompasses seven districts that include the Tutume District, which is the Nkange constituency. As such, the unfortunate, divisive, and tribalistic statement issued by the MP for Nkange constituency is totally false and without relevance to the facts as they exist on the ground, in law, and in history.”
It further states that for a member who is responsible for promoting unity in diverse tribal territory and the Republic, to make 'such careless comments is totally out of place with national principles of promoting tolerance.' For some observers, it appeared that a legitimate concern had been reframed as an attack on tradition. But Moalosi is standing firm. 'This is not about division, it’s about justice,” he said.
In a recent interview with Mmegi, Moalosi defended his stance, stating that the issue cannot be separated from the country’s broader tribal history.
“We must be honest with ourselves. The Tribal Territories Act, as it stands, has placed some tribes under the jurisdiction of others. That’s not just a technical flaw – it’s a painful legacy that has shaped inequality across generations,” he said.
Moalosi said the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), has long championed the need for a comprehensive constitutional review. He said his party has repeatedly called for the repeal or revision of the Tribal Territories Act, aiming to bring equality and fairness to how tribes and communities are governed.
“We can’t erase the past,” he acknowledged. “But we must take responsibility for the present. The laws that govern us should reflect the diverse, modern Botswana we live in, not outdated hierarchies inherited from colonial times.” He said what makes Nkange especially sensitive to such moves is its tribal composition. Unlike largely homogenous regions, he said, Nkange is home to a rich mix of tribes, cultures, and languages.
“Nkange is not monolithic,” Moalosi explained. “We have Bakalanga, Batswapong, Basarwa, and others. You cannot impose a structure led by one traditional authority over a community that reflects multiple identities. It’s not just impractical, it’s unjust.” Therefore, he insists, any initiative or project must be rooted in local consensus. Community involvement must be the foundation, not an afterthought.