Bakalanga demand tribal independence
Residents of Tutume and surrounding villages defiantly rose in unison this week pleading with the government to recognise the Bakalanga tribe and allow them to have their own Kgosikgolo (Paramount Chief) within their own tribal territory.
Speaking during a consultative Kgotla meeting addressed by Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ignatius Moswaane, in Tutume, the majority of speakers said that they no longer want to be regarded as Bangwato and getting referrals to Serowe.
Without beating about the bush, Isaac Khata, an elder from Maitengwe village, said that it is time Bakalanga from North East and Central districts unite and form one Bakalanga territory. “We want our own Kgosikgolo with his own Deputy and Chiefs from our own territory who will be appointed by us Bakalanga. We no longer want to be under Serowe anymore,” he said to a thundering applause from the crowd made mainly of elders.
Another elder from Tutume, Noah Makaba, said that it was time that matters relating to Bogosi in the Tutume District are discussed and resolved within their territory. “Government must do a serious constitutional review which will look into the Tribal Territory Act so that we do not take our matters to Serowe.”
Makaba said that their chiefs always voice their complaints in corridors and are afraid to say it in public. “I am here to tell you our complaints and hope you will take action.”
Speaking during the ongoing review of the Bogosi Act of 2008 and the Customary Court Act of 2013, some leaders expressed gratitude to the government for the consultation process, with some calling for significant changes, including the appointment of a Bakalanga Paramount Chief and representation of Bakalanga people at Ntlo Ya Dikgosi. They emphasized their desire to no longer be represented by Bangwato leadership, stating that such arrangements were outdated and no longer reflective of modern community dynamics.
However, Moswaane reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing a justice system grounded in human rights and community representation. “These nationwide consultations are a true reflection of the government’s dedication to strengthening traditional leadership and ensuring that Botswana’s Dikgosi are given recognition on par with their global counterparts.”
Moswaane explained that the current hierarchy bogosi structure includes, Kgosi, Deputy Chief, Senior Sub-Chief, Chief Representative, and Kgosana (Headman of Records).
Hon. Minister, let us face facts. No need to hide behind language that have to date failed to address the issue of the so called minority groups/tribes in Botswana. Gatwe, within the prevailing constitutional framework, recognise and apply the DiKgosi constitutional framework to those groups aspiring to do so. Batho ba bare = Ga re BaNgwato”-re Ba/MaKalaka.