Batlokwa want some dikgosi removed immediately
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday December 19, 2025 14:41
Addressing Batlokwa members on Tuesday afternoon, the Minister emphasised that the authority to select dikgosi rests primarily with the main Kgosi, after which the wider tribe is consulted to affirm the decision. This came into light after the tribe openly told the Minister that they had thought he was giving them a response regarding their recent letter. Kgosi Puso Gaborone had recently convened a kgotla meeting in which he informed them about how he was treated by some dikgosi.
The five dikgosi who took him to court include Kgosintwa Gaborone, Kgosi Motsholathebe Gaborone, Kgosi Rammonye Matlapeng, Kgosi Stephen Korwe and Keorapetse Bashwa.
The five took Gaborone to court over 145 celebration of Tlokweng village, claiming that he did not consult them. In explaining the government’s position, Motshegwa made it clear that the Ministry does not interfere in the selection of dikgosi who work under the main Kgosi. Instead, the role of government is limited to ensuring that all processes outlined in the Bogosi Act are strictly followed. According to the Minister, adherence to the law is paramount, and no action can be supported unless due process is observed from beginning to end. Furthermore, Motshegwa revealed that although he was informed that Kgosi Puso Gaborone had written a letter to his office, he had not yet had the opportunity to read it. However, he stressed that if the letter concerns the removal of certain dikgosi, the Kgosi is already aware of the correct procedures to follow. “As a Ministry, we will only issue a supporting letter once we are fully satisfied that all the required processes have been followed,” he said. He added that it is important for all concerned parties to understand that the government does not act out of self-interest in matters of bogosi, but rather seeks to uphold fairness, legality, and tradition. In addition to procedural matters, the Minister strongly emphasised the importance of unity within the tribe. He noted that internal conflicts often weaken traditional institutions and undermine their purpose. “Unity must always prevail when the tribe is dealing with sensitive issues,” Motshegwa said, adding that the fundamental role of dikgosi is to bring people together and foster harmony within the community. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that cooperation cannot be forced, stating that no one can be compelled to work with the main Kgosi if they are unwilling to do so.
Moreover, Motshegwa suggested that many of the recurring disputes surrounding bogosi could be resolved if tribes took deliberate steps to document their histories and traditional leadership structures. According to him, the lack of written records often leads to confusion, contestation, and prolonged disputes. Proper documentation, he argued, would provide clarity and serve as a reliable reference point for future generations. Turning to the ongoing discussions around the Bogosi Act, the Minister disclosed that dikgosi have raised several concerns regarding titles and recognition. Notably, dikgosi have expressed dissatisfaction with titles such as dikgosana, preferring instead that the designation Kgosikgolo be formally recognised, while other traditional leaders are referred to simply as dikgosi. This, he explained, is part of broader efforts to align traditional titles with cultural expectations and leadership roles. Additionally, Motshegwa revealed that dikgosi have proposed the formal inclusion of the uncles of the Kgosikgolo and dikgosi within the Bogosi Act framework.
According to traditional leaders, he said, uncles play a significant and often overlooked role in bogosi matters. “As such, their responsibilities will be clearly defined to ensure that their contributions are recognised and regulated,” he said. The Minister stated that Kgosi Gaborone is currently leading the task of reviewing and proposing reforms or amendments to the Bogosi Act.
These efforts, he said, aim to strengthen traditional leadership, reduce disputes, and ensure that bogosi institutions remain relevant, unified, and grounded in both law and tradition.