Gudigwa promise broken as lease renewals shut out community :: Mmegi Online

A simmering grievance in the remote village of Gudigwa has reignited after the government confirmed that lucrative safari concessions NG14 and NG16 will remain in the hands of existing operators for years to come, effectively dashing long-standing expectations that the land would be returned to the community.

Responding to a parliamentary question on Monday, Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr Edwin Dikoloti made it clear that the concessions are not available for redistribution. The current leaseholders have secured renewals under the provisions of older agreements, a development that sharply cuts against a decade of promises made to the Gudigwa community.

“Concession areas NG14 and NG16 are currently not available for leasing to any other entity as the current operators have been granted lease renewals following their request made in 2019 and 2020,” Dikoloti told Parliament.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Gudigwa promise broken as lease renewals shut out community

Explore

More

Witness details how Mojadigo sexually assaulted minor girl

Botho University supports climate storytelling

The Final Stroke artworks for premium auction

Media practitioners urged to humanise LGBTQI+ stories

Bongo Maffin replaces BOP at 70s & 80s Disco Party

Lack of facilities bleeds rugby coffers

Softball warns against zonal teams

Youth, women positioned for energy sector opportunities

Batswana need to do better to stop FMD