Dikgosi play critical role in Batswana's lives
Thandiwe Moyo | Tuesday June 18, 2019 14:00
He said this during a courtesy call to Ntlo-Ya-Dikgosi by the US ambassador, Craig Cloud recently. Kgosi Gaborone said many dikgosi migrated to the country many years ago and had been the leaders of their tribes before politics were introduced in the country.
“Leadership of traditional leaders has always been significant in Botswana. Before politics, chiefs were a sole leadership. They were in charge of the welfare of the communities. At the time, they brought forth developments such as schools, health facilities, and dams with the help of missionaries. Roads were built by dikgosi,” he said.
He added that dikgosi have always been the foundation of their tribes. He explained that in assuring that there was democracy in their communities and the whole country, dikgosi always had discussions with their people on issues that affect them and always came up with a solution that would benefit all. With dikgosi playing such a critical role in the lives of the people, when the new political government was established, it did not abolish bogosi.
However, Gaborone who is also the chairperson of Ntlo-Ya-Dikgosi pointed out that government decided to work hand in hand with dikgosi. He said later, Ntlo-Ya-Dikgosi institution was introduced and therefore had a critical part to play in shaping communities. He said their mandate was to ensure the welfare of their communities through various activities, expected to convene meetings to attain advise from the communities, promote and preserve culture, instill morale and value amongst their people and more.
“The government found it fit to have an institution called Ntlo-Ya-Dikgosi as its advisory body. Head of states address community members through dikgotla. We advise the government on issues affecting our communities. We are also entitled to have questions and answers, motions and bills, which can later be discussed in Parliament,” he said.