27 Jun 2024

Kgosi Maruje Masunga III of Masunga has called urgent formation of a leadership forum in the North East District.

The forum, he said would bring together a wide array of stakeholders, including council chairpersons, Dikgosi, Councillors, Village Development Committee Chairpersons, Land Board members, District Commissioners, Council Secretary, and other senior government officials.

He was speaking at a full council meeting on Tuesday. Kgosi Maruje III said the proposed forum  would convene at least three times  a year to address pertinent issues and challenges within the district.

He stressed the importance of unity and cohesion within the forum to collectively oversee the developments in the district and avoid any conflicting agendas.

Highlighting the demographic shift in the district towards a younger population, Kgosi Maruje III expressed concern over the lack of shared values among some residents.

He cited examples such as the noticeable decline in traditional attire standards during Kgotla meetings, where attendees, both male and female, were observed wearing tattered designed clothing.

In addition to demographic concerns, Kgosi Maruje III brought attention to the Community Constituency Programme (CCP) funds allocated for road maintenance and paving.

He urged the Council to revisit the original spirit of the CCP programme, emphasising the importance of community involvement and participation in local development initiatives.

Furthermore, Kgosi Maruje III raised the issue of land shortage in the district, particularly mentioning the 45 000 hectares of land acquired from the Tati Company.

He recommended that the Council should organise a Pitso to address the land scarcity challenge and engage with the community on potential solutions moving forward.

“We can speak with the government that in terms of affirmative action, the government can give us a certain piece of land before it is distributed for other land use purposes,” he added.

Kgosi Maruje III said some people had migrated to other districts where they were allocated plots.

He mentioned that the district had experienced a decline in population, loss of skilled manpower, and cultural degradation among other issues.

He encouraged the council and Land board to consider purchasing land for allocating residential plots and farms to residents to encourage them to return home.

Kgosi Maruje III highlighted the importance of DNA in cases brought to the Kgotla, emphasising the need for it to be integrated into the process.

He also pointed out the complexities surrounding the parentage of children after death, with some disowning their offspring.

Regarding government programmes like Chema Chema Fund, Thuo Letlotlo, and Temo Letlotlo, Kgosi Maruje III expressed concerns about the unreliability of the GABS system, which he believed hindered the effectiveness of these initiatives.

He noted the government’s efforts to develop its own applications in response.

He stressed the significance of nurturing a knowledge-based economy, providing children with opportunities to excel in digital and Information Technology fields.

Concerning the upcoming  general elections, Kgosi Maruje III called for electoral reforms to enhance the stability of the country. He emphasised the importance of strong internal party democracy across all political parties, highlighting that Batswana’s welfare depends on inclusive, united, and tolerant party structures.ENDS