the monitor

Khama and gov't must step right

The recent exchange between former president, Kgosi Khama IV, and the government over the role of traditional leaders highlights a delicate tension that demands wisdom, not warfare.

Whilst the government seeks to clarify boundaries between elected councillors and Dikgosi, and Khama defends the autonomy of Bogosi, this dispute musn't spiral into division. All parties must step back, breathe, and commit to dialogue rooted in mutual respect and the rule of law.

Botswana’s strength lies in its unique blend of modern democracy and deep-rooted tradition. Dikgosi, as custodians of culture and community justice, hold immense moral authority. Their Kgotla, as Khama rightly notes, is a sacred space for dialogue, not political point-scoring. Equally, elected governance structures ensure accountability and national development. Both institutions matter. When their roles clash, the solution can't be ultimatums or public spats but careful collaboration.

Editor's Comment
Get back what was stolen, and lock the door

That a single private law firm pocketed P6.5 million for just four cases, out of a total P11.1 million paid for 25 matters, reeks of a system that was not merely disorganised but open to abuse.Bayford has taken a welcome first step by telling the Public Accounts Committee the truth. Now he must act decisively to ensure it never happens again and that any money lost to wrongdoing is recovered.The figures are staggering. Whilst ordinary Batswana...

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