Lentswe le Moriti community seeks gov't intervention
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday February 11, 2026 11:51
In response, the ministry has established a dedicated task team to explore practical solutions and restore access to government services and religious freedoms within the community. Speaking during a meeting with residents after an invitation by the Lentswe le Moriti Advisory Committee, Minister Ketlhalefile Motshegwa confirmed that the matter had officially reached his office. He emphasised that the ministry could not ignore concerns of such magnitude. “Your complaints, which were addressed to the Office of the President, have been brought to my attention as the responsible minister,” Motshegwa said. “As a result, a task team has been formed to find ways of addressing these issues.”
Amongst the key grievances outlined by residents is the denial of access to Moria in South Africa, a significant spiritual destination for members of St Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC). According to the minister, residents allege that some Botswana-based church pastors have blocked them from travelling to Moria, effectively cutting them off from important religious practices. Consequently, residents are calling on government to intervene and facilitate engagement with senior church leadership. In addition, the minister noted that residents complained about being fenced in by a high electric fence, which they say has resulted in their marginalisation. This, they argue, has made it difficult for government departments to reach them and provide essential services, as church leadership allegedly restricts government access to the area. Beyond religious and administrative barriers, residents also raised concerns about infrastructure and safety. Notably, they complained about the poor condition of the road leading to the settlement, which hampers movement and service delivery. Furthermore, they reported inadequate protection from wild animals, exposing the community to ongoing danger.
Providing further context, Lentswe le Moriti Advisory Committee chairperson Batshidi Tsae said the dispute is fundamentally about land ownership and control. According to Tsae, some church leaders in Botswana allegedly intend to sell the land, a move strongly opposed by residents. “Some leaders want to block us from meeting with the Bishop,” he said. “Our parents contributed to buying this land, which is why it is registered under the church. That was the agreement.” Importantly, Tsae revealed that the government has since ruled that public resources must be allowed into the area, a decision residents view as a major breakthrough. He added that security is already in place at Lentswe le Moriti and that access to the area is regulated through a permit system. Lentswe le Moriti is owned by the church and some individuals whose parents contributed when the farm was bought.