Dikgosi Demand More Pay

MOGOMOTSI MOLOI
Correspondent | Monday August 6, 2007 00:00

 

Presenting their grievances during a public hearing of the salaries commission of enquiry last week at Tutume Education Centre, Dikgosi did not hide their disappointment, accusing the government of not taking their welfare seriously. They said their remunerations were 'demotivating'.

The query was raised before  three of the commissioners headed by former Botswana Confederation of Commerce Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) president, Igbal Ibrahim.
The chiefs were concerned that there was never progress in their kgotla despite being part of the Botswana public service. 'If a Kgosi starts work at the age of 25 at the salary scale of C1, and rules for more than 40 years, he or she will be at that scale for over 40 years without progressing to a higher position,' lamented Kgosi David Matobo of Matobo village.

 
He said that their duties were very extensive because they cover all customary matters.
They preside over criminal and civil matters and are mandated to mediate, reconcile and arbitrate over all issues of public concern. They also marry people. Matobo pointed out that out of commitment and dedication they work on weekends and public holidays, attending community functions where they play a crucial advisory role.

 
Like other government officers who made presentations, the chiefs recommended that they be paid housing and responsibility allowance depending on the vastness and population of their villages. They also want hospital and communication allowances.
'The chain of command within the tribal administration is such that a chief reports directly to the minister and the previous salaries commissions only considered allowances of Ntlo-ya-Dikgosi thereby stagnating salaries and conditions of employment of other bodies below the organisation,' said a concerned Matobo. He said there was a need to ameliorate the demeaning status of bogosi in effective dispensation of justice. He indicated that their lives were threatened when they convict people, so they need a risk allowance.

 
Kgosi Bonyongo Masalila of Sebina said that Dikgosi hold very important responsibilities in the country but their pay did not reflect this.
He said they sometimes use their own money and vehicles. 'We even work more than councillors,' he stressed. He stated that in some instances social workers provided coffins for dead destitutes without food.

Therefore, the Kgosi would provide some food out of sympathy'. He said in the current set up, Dikgosi were caught between volunteerism and public service. 'We do not know where we fall. It is not clear whether we are volunteers or civil servants,' he pointed out.
One of the commissioners, David Motshwarakgole, pointed out that government has programmes to help destitutes.
He said the traditional leaders help. He asked whether allowances needed by Dikgosi would compromise Botswana culture. Dr Tebogo Matome said the concern of the Dikgosi was sensitive because it has an element of culture.
He noted that the issue was countrywide. This concern comes a week after Matshelagabedi chief, Oganne Polson, urged vice president, Ian Khama to increase his salary because his chiefly duties were strenuous.