The Monitor (Botswana)

Land Board members told ‘divorce duty from politics’

- Goitsemodi­mo Kaelo

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.

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