17 Jun 2024

 Ntlo Ya Dikgosi mourns Kgosi Rebagamang Rancholo of Nata who was a representative of Tutume region.

Kgosi Rancholo died June 13.

Speaking during the official opening of the 16^th meeting of the 4^th Ntlo Ya Dikgosi session in Gaborone on Monday, Ntlo Ya Dikgosi chairperson, Kgosi Puso Gaborone said since the beginning of the fifth term, they lost three members; Kgosi Kegaisamang Ramokwena of Maun region, Kgosi Godfrey Serapo of Boteti region and now Kgosi Rancholo.

On other issues, Kgosi Puso thanked members of Ntlo Ya Dikgosis for contributing P30 000 and all other chiefs from different villages across the country for raising P181 356 in contributions towards the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Kgosi Puso said Ntlo Ya Dikgosi continued to play a significant role in shaping legislation in Botswana.

He said dikgosi represented the interests of various ethnic groups and acted as an advisory body on different matters including those relating to tradition, culture and customary law.

He said the members had been contributing, by providing advice and insights on traditional and customary matters that were considered in the legislative process, noting that before the bills became law, dikgosi  debated them and their input ensured that the proposed law aligned with Botswana values.

Kgosi Puso thanked members for their involvement in the legislative processes that ensured that the laws reflected the country’s diverse cultural landscape and upheld the rights and interests of its communities.

He hailed magosi for playing a pivotal role in shaping legislation and for being inclusive and reflective of Botswana’s socio-cultural fabric.

Meanwhile Kgosi Gaborone said members thrived on capacity building and training that enhanced their effectiveness in fulfilling their roles within the legislative framework of Botswana.

He said members had enjoyed training and capacity building with different stakeholders.

The chairperson said it was important that they be equipped with knowledge of the Constitution, relevant laws and legal principles that govern their roles and responsibilities.

He also appreciated the networking, collaborations and trainings as they had been able to leverage support and resources as well enhance their representation and ultimately contributed to more informed and inclusive decision making that respected and incorporated diversity.

 Kgosi Puso advised members to encourage their communities to take part in the upcoming general elections.

He further advised dikgosi to steer clear of politics.

The two-week Ntlo Ya Dikgosi session that started Monday and expected to end June 28, will consider 111 questions and seven motions, including briefings in the first week sitting. Ends