Although some may view this as a demotion, Khama will continue to enjoy his benefits as the former president, along with perks reserved for dikgosi, including a salary. Whilst some cast doubt that Bagammangwato Kgosikgolo, Khama IV, would take his place at the Kgotla, he has reiterated his intentions. Khama IV was absent in December when Ntlo Ya Dikgosi convened, and he was nowhere to be seen when other members were sworn in. Bagammangwato will have a representative for the first time since April 2022 when the then Motshwarelela Kgosikgolo, Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane, was pushed out by the Mokgweetsi Masisi-led Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) administration.
Khama was absent during the First Meeting of the Fifth Ntlo Ya Dikgosi sitting when it commenced on December 19, 2024, when some new members of the house were sworn in and new leaders were voted in. The House would adjourn only to convene this past Monday. Khama, who was welcomed in a grand ceremony to take over as Kgosi in Serowe in November, would then be sworn in as a member of the House. He is expected to be amongst dikgosi as they undergo orientation for the rest of the week in Palapye. Khama returned to his Kgotla after a lengthy battle with the previous administration. He had even left the country, and it seemed almost impossible that he would return, at least not under BDP rule. It was during that period that Kgamane, who had been regent for over 30 years and represented Bagammangwato being chairperson of the House in 1995, was removed by the Masisi regime in 2022. Kgamane was suspended for allegedly allowing politicking at the Kgotla where the former president’s issues with the then government were discussed.
