Batlokwa demand land justice now
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday February 2, 2026 08:11
Their argument is that continued inaction on the part of government has left the community landless, economically constrained and unable to develop.
The councillors raised the issue while debating the role of the Constitutional Court, arguing that the long-standing Batlokwa land question is precisely the kind of matter the court should resolve once established.
They also said the expansion of Gaborone came at a high cost to Batlokwa, who surrendered their land without compensation but continue to suffer the consequences decades later.
Speaking during the council discussions on Thursday this week, Councillor Kedibonye Batlang said the situation has become unbearable for the community. She emphasised that land shortages are now affecting livelihoods, food security and even basic settlement also planning in Tlokweng. “It is time the government brings back our land,” said Batlang. “As Batlokwa, we are suffering because we do not have plots, land to plough or proper grazing land for our cattle,”she added.
She explained that due to limited space, traditional cattle routes now pass through residential areas, posing risks to both residents and livestock. Batlang stated that the problem reflects deeper historical injustices that were never addressed when Gaborone was established on Batlokwa land. She urged the Constitutional Court to intervene, arguing that political processes have failed to deliver justice.
She said the matter has dragged on for years without resolution, despite repeated appeals by traditional leaders and councillors. In addition, Batlang called on the Minister responsible for local government to urgently review the issue of rates collected by Gaborone City Council. She argued that Tlokweng deserves a share of the revenue because Batlokwa gave up their land to the government at no cost.
“Gaborone is collecting rates from land that once belonged to Batlokwa,” she said. “It is only fair that Tlokweng receives a certain percentage so that we can develop our area.” Furthermore, Batlang said Tlokweng Council struggles financially because it has no rate base of its own. As a result, the council remains heavily dependent on central government, a situation she said continues to delay infrastructure development and service delivery. Echoing her sentiments, Councillor Joseph Moakofi said the land issue is not only historical but also political.
He reminded the council that the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) had promised Batlokwa that their grievances would be addressed once the coalition is in power. “The time is now,” said Moakofi. “This issue has been pending for far too long. With the Constitutional Court in place, there is no excuse for further delays,” said Moakofi. He added that failure to resolve the Batlokwa land question risks deepening public frustration and undermining trust in government institutions.
Meanwhile, Councillor Lebalang Magwadi broadened the debate by pointing to other matters she believes the Constitutional Court must confront. She said issues such as inheritance under customary law, polygamy and other cultural practices remain unprotected because they are not recognised by the Constitution.
Magwadi said many Batswana continue to rely on customary courts, yet their decisions often clash with constitutional provisions. She said this legal gap leaves communities vulnerable and uncertain.
“It is clear that the Constitution does not recognise customary law,” she said. “This creates serious challenges for people who live by these traditions., she stated. Councillors agreed that the establishment of the Constitutional Court presents an opportunity to confront unresolved historical injustices and legal contradictions. For Batlokwa, they said, the land question is no longer just about history, but about survival, dignity and development.