13 Apr 2025

Traditional leaders have been advised to stay away from politics to enable them to serve their communities with dignity and fairness.

They were also urged to desist from taking part in politics as such could undermine their honour and integrity.

Enlightening dikgosi on their roles and importance in the communities during a one-day workshop in Maun on Friday, the acting director of Department of Tribal Administration, Mr Reuben Mojeremane said dikgosi were apex community leaders, peacemakers and arbitration leaders and as such, they should remain neutral and promote nation building rather than aligning to political party colours.

Dikgosi, he said should also understand that they held strategic positions in the society, which accord them an opportunity to advise government on community (traditional) affairs and influence policy making that may improve livelihoods of people in their communities and the country at large.

Furthermore, Mr Majeremane said dikgosi were key stakeholders in the process of district level development planning and implementation of National Development Plans.

“You should not be seen embroiled in partisan politics because as traditional leaders, you play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the government and the community,” he added.

He also highlighted that dikgosi were a pillar of stability and custodians of culture and morality citing that they should ensure moral upright and that the kgotla remained a traditional democratic forum available for consultation of community development.

Deputy District Commissioner for North West, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe drilled participants on effective communication in leadership citing that as leaders, they served as a connection between government and the people as their role was to facilitate dialogue and understanding between the two pillars of the society.

As leaders, he said they had a role to guide others forward for a common goal noting that communication was a fundamental tool. 

“You should use the right medium of communication, know what you communicate, when to communicate that information and who is relevant,” he added.

Outlining the objectives of the leadership workshop, MP for Maun West, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama said the forum aimed to strengthen unity to serve community through building of bridges that connect them.

As leadership, he said they were serving one client and as such, they should not be seen working in silos and ‘through this forum, we are laying a foundation to work as a team. 

We should know and understand each other’s role so that we serve our communities diligently,’ he added.

The workshop themed: Building Bridges, Not Walls; Collaborative Leadership for Community Progress was organised by the office of Member of Parliament for Maun West to encourage unity and a shared sense of purpose among leaders at all levels. 

It attracted dikgosi, councillors, Village Development Committee leadership as well as other key stakeholders.

The forum also aimed to develop practical strategies to overcome barriers to effective communication and cooperation as well as to create a shared vision for community development and define actionable steps to bring that vision to life. ENDS