23 Feb 2025

In a landmark decision that has been anxiously awaited by local councillors and residents, the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has approved the separation of Mogoditshane and Thamaga into two independent districts. 

This was revealed by Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, during a special Mogoditshane/Thamaga full council meeting on Tuesday. 

Mr Motshegwa explained that the move addressed the long-standing concern of the growing population in these areas, largely driven by their proximity to Gaborone and their role as commuter towns for the capital city. 

Mr Motshegwa also addressed the long-standing demand from councillors that Mogoditshane be declared a township, assuring them that the government would consider this request in due course, once the necessary budget allocations allow for the upgrade. 

Mr Motshegwa shared a draft national decentralisation policy document with councillors, emphasising the importance of consultation.  He said their comments and insights would improve the policy before it is discussed in Parliament. Mr Motshegwa expounded on the significance of the Decentralisation Policy, which he said was part of the government’s commitment to streamline governance and strengthen the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders. 

He explained that the policy would facilitate decentralised, inclusive, and responsive service delivery, ultimately promoting sustainable local development. 

To address the government’s objectives in this area, Mr Motshegwa underscored that the Decentralisation Policy aimed to create a robust local government system by empowering councils with greater autonomy and resources. 

He explained that this would ensure that development projects were completed on schedule and within budget, while simultaneously bringing essential services closer to the people. 

He said the overarching objective of the National Decentralisation Policy was to promote equitable and sustainable development by transferring decision-making powers and resources to local governments, fostering active citizen participation in all stages of local development and service delivery.  “This initiative seeks to reorganise local government, endowing it with the necessary autonomy and resources to provide services more effectively and efficiently,” he said. 

Mr Motshegwa said at the heart of the decentralisation policy, government sought to empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable and ensure that public decisions are made with the public’s interests in mind. 

He pointed out that the decentralisation reform programme would shift the balance of power within the public sector.  He said central government ministries would maintain responsibility for formulating national policies, strategies, and laws, as well as overseeing implementation and monitoring processes, while local governments (councils) would be entrusted with crafting local policies, by-laws, and implementing national policies in accordance with local needs, priorities, and resources. 

He emphasised the public’s desire for a devolved governance model where power and resources are placed in the hands of their elected representatives at the local level. 

He highlighted the importance of decentralisation in meeting this demand and in ensuring that local communities have a greater say in the decisions that impact their daily lives. ENDS