Lamentations of disgruntled land owners
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Minister of Lands and Water Affairs, Gilbert Sesinyi, a prominent land surveyor and activist, raised concerns about compliance with land use regulations, market value discrepancies, and development plans in Botswana.
He highlighted the detrimental effects of non-compliance with gazetted development plans by Land Boards, which are responsible for allocating land parcels in the country.
Sesinyi’s letter, dated March 20 expressed his disappointment with the interpretation and implementation of the Tribal Land Act of 2018. He claimed that the actions of Land Boards were undermining the purpose of the law, jeopardising the realisation of development plans in planning areas, and sabotaging overall economic growth.
The activist pointed out that Botswana currently faces multiple development plans that are nearing their expiration dates, including the Tlokweng Development Plan (2001–2030), the Dikwididi Development Plan (2012–2036), and the Tloaneng Development Plan (2001–2025). Despite these plans being in place, Sesinyi argued that the reality on the ground contradicted the intended development outlined in the gazetted plans.
One of the key issues highlighted by Sesinyi was the allocation of land for ploughing fields, mekgoro, and kraals in areas designated for residential, commercial, industrial, and special economic zones.
He criticised Land Boards for granting such land use rights within a 30-kilometre radius of the capital city, disregarding the provisions of the Development Plan. This raised concerns about the role of the Development Plan in guiding the country’s overall development if land use is not in accordance with its stipulations.
Sesinyi emphasised that the Land Boards’ stance on development plans was flawed, as it implied that only the State could execute the development proposals outlined in the plans. He argued this monopolistic approach to development contradicts the intentions of the Legislature and denies Botswana citizens the opportunity to develop their land in alignment with the development plans.
Furthermore, Sesinyi outlined several prejudices faced by land rights holders due to non-compliance with development plans. He highlighted the lack of uniformity in land use applications, which results in varying benefits for land rights holders.
Additionally, conflicts between the land use stated on property titles and the land use stipulated in development plans lead to the devaluation of land, affecting property owners’ compensation and overall economic potential.
The presidential directive CAB 14A of 2019 was cited as a positive step toward addressing land usage needs and granting landowners the ability to maximise the economic potential of their land. However, Sesinyi called for a clear position from government on the issue of land use compliance, the value of land, and the importance of development plans in Botswana.