Batlokwa reject Tlokweng expansion plan
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday April 1, 2026 06:00
The plan, which proposed extending the village into the Mabutswe area where their fields are located, has sparked widespread concern, prompting the government to return it for further consultation.
Speakers at a kgotla meeting held on Saturday, welcomed the decision by Local Government and Traditional Affairs Minister, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, to refer the proposal back to the tribe.
The move followed concerns that the initial plan had not adequately captured the views of the Batlokwa community.
Explaining the development, Tlokweng Chief Planning Officer Gorata Sefawe said the plan was being reconsidered to allow the community to guide future expansion.
“If the tribe does not want their masimo or meraka to be taken, then they must tell us where they think the village should be extended to,” she said.
“You also have the right to say you do not want it to grow or that it should remain as it is. Currently, Tlokweng has a waiting list of 60,000 people for plot allocation.”
At the same time, Sefawe apologised for the shortcomings highlighted in the 2018 plan.
“We ask for forgiveness that the Tlokweng Development Plan 2018 did not fully capture your views,” she admitted.
However, Kgosi Puso Gaborone of Batlokwa maintained a firm stance against any expansion into tribal fields, stressing the need to protect the community’s limited land. “Our land is small, and we cannot allow our tribe’s fields to be taken,” he said. “Let us compact the development, fill the vacant spaces and build upwards instead of expanding.”
Furthermore, the Kgosi raised concerns about land allocation, claiming that many on the waiting list are not Batlokwa. “If we look into the waiting list, you will find that the majority are not Batlokwa,” he said, adding that Tlokweng should remain as it is. He also issued a warning to Land Board chairperson, Elijah Katse. “Do not allow yourself to be used by officers who are not Batlokwa against the will of the tribe,” he cautioned. “If the fields of your tribe are taken, when your job ends, you will face rejection alone in the village.”
Community members echoed similar concerns. Goitseone Nkwe questioned the impact on livelihoods, saying: “If our fields are taken, where will the tribe plough or take their livestock?” She added, “I support the Kgosi that Tlokweng must remain as it is.”
Meanwhile, Joshua Lekoko called for alternative measures.
“We cannot allow our fields to be taken,” he said. “If it comes to that, let us push for the quota ratio to be increased so Batlokwa can benefit more from allocations. This is our land, and we must protect it for our children. We don’t want any expansion.” Overall, speakers at the meeting shared a common view that development should not come at the expense of their heritage, with many suggesting that remaining land be reserved for Batlokwa only.