Okavango Kopano Mokoro trust welcomes Ditshipings reinstatement
09 May 2024
Members of Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT) have welcomed the decision to reinstate Ditshiping settlement membership into the trust.
OKMCT operated in the six villages of Ditshiping, Boro, Xharaxao, Xuoxao, Daunara and Xaxaba and Ditshiping relationship with OKMCT was terminated following a court order as some members of the community felt they were not benefiting enough from the abundant natural resources in the area and as such wanted to have an independent entity.
However, members of the trust learnt during the ongoing annual general meeting (AGM) at Boro village that the decision to reinstate Ditshiping was made following an advice from the office of the district commissioner and the trust’s lawyer as about 79 residents from the said village pleaded that they were not aware of an order to remove them from the trust.
As the norm, representatives from Ditshiping attended the AGM and praised the trust board for listening to their plea and giving them equal treatment irrespective of what happened.
One trust veteran, Mr Mokobaotsile Ngande hailed the decision as a welcome development as a testament that all wanted equal beneficiation from their rich concession. During their term as board members, there were no divisions nor conflicts as they worked as a unit for the benefit of the large community.
“During our time we all understood that Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme was the pillar of our concession NG32 which is rich in natural resources and our aim was to utilise the resources in a sustainable manner to ensure they benefit coming generation,” he added.
He called on members of the trust to maintain the foundation they laid and stop infightsing, but instead strive to protect their concession, because if they continue fighting, government may take it and yet they were generating income which was channeled towards promoting social and economic development, empowerment and advancement amongst members of OKMCT.
Mr Ngande appealed to other elders to preach unity amongst their villagers to protect the image of the trust and ensure all enjoy the benefits of CBNRM.
Ms Ntsholang Monnatsie also welcomed the decision to reinstate Ditshiping and urged villagers to desist from fueling divisions amongst villages affiliated to the trust as it compromised the dignity of the trust.
She also called on the trust board to consult all affected villagers on the issue so that they could appreciate.
When presenting Board’s report, vice chairperson, Mr Olebogeng Taolo said, Ditshiping had been reinstated as some community members claimed that they were not part of those who wanted the village membership o be terminated.
Through thorough consultation and advice with relevant authorities and their lawyer, he said they agreed to reinstate the village as the concerned residents insisted that they were still members of OKMCT in full standing.
“This means, the trust and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) now have to work out procedures to see how two members representing Ditshiping will be elected to the OKMCT board,” he added.
Nonetheless, he said the trust continued to provide services at the settlement as expected, adding that amongst services provided was usage of the mokoro station which was still in operation.
Mr Taolo further said the trust also transported people to and from Maun whenever the need arises adding such was testament that Ditshiping community was still considered part of the trust.
Board chairperson, Mr Galetsose Manga said since Ditshiping’s membership was terminated through a court order, they would engaged further the concerned 79 residents to write to court about the decision and later conduct kgotla meetings accompanied by traditional leaders and government officials to consult trust members on the issue. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Esther Mmolai
Location : Boro
Event : AGM
Date : 09 May 2024