Land Board members told ‘divorce duty from politics’

Land Board members have been told to divorce their duties from politics in order to discharge their work diligently.

Speaking during an induction for the newly appointed Land Board members for the period 2023-2026 in Palapye on Friday, Kgosi Martha Lebang of the village said it was important that Land Board members remained principled and cultured to be efficient. “I must specifically single out the need to work with us in administering tribal land and determining varying land conflict resolutions.

I further advise you to divorce your duties from politics. I repeat, divorce your duties from politics,” Lebang said.

Furthermore, she advised the new Land Board members to expeditiously discharge their duties with a high level of professionalism and patriotism. “You are the new hope to Batswana. Honour that privilege,” she said. Lebang’s remarks follow widespread criticism that members of Land Boards across the country are appointed on party affiliation. The opposition has in the past accused the Botswana Democratic Party of appointing its members to the positions in a move allegedly meant to please its cadres and influence land distribution.

However, speaking at the same event, the Minister of Lands and Water Affairs, Kefentse Mzwinila refuted insinuations that they appoint Land Board members on party affiliation. He said it was a wild suggestion because there are also members of the opposition on the boards, some of whom have stood for elections.

“It is illegal to discriminate against a person for their party of choice. When we choose, we use criteria. We do not use party affiliation as a criterion. The main criteria for one to be a Land Board member are community involvement, the ability to engage with the community, to mobilise the community, address kgotla meetings, the ability to speak in public, ability to coordinate community projects,” Mzwinila said. “Fortunately or unfortunately, these are skill sets that are found in political leaders and Land Board members. We cannot discriminate,” he added. Furthermore, he explained that every Motswana is eligible to be a Land Board member regardless of party affiliation as long as they possess the required skill set necessary to serve in that position.