Land Board members told 'divorce duty from politics'

“I must specifically single out the need to work with us in administering tribal land and determining varying land conflict resolutions. I further advise you to divorce your duties from politics. I repeat, divorce your duties from politics,” Lebang said. Furthermore, she advised the new Land Board members to expeditiously discharge their duties with a high level of professionalism and patriotism.

“You are the new hope to Batswana. Honour that privilege,” she said. Lebang’s remarks follow widespread criticism that members of Land Boards across the country are appointed on party affiliation. The opposition has in the past accused the Botswana Democratic Party of appointing its members to the positions in a move allegedly meant to please its cadres and influence land distribution. However, speaking at the same event, the Minister of Lands and Water Affairs, Kefentse Mzwinila refuted insinuations that they appoint Land Board members on party affiliation. He said it was a wild suggestion because there are also members of the opposition on the boards, some of whom have stood for elections.