Minister suspends Khama’s regent
Kgosi Kgamane learns about his suspension from social media Royal family plans a meeting at Serowe main Kgotla to discuss the matter
Tempers are said to be high in Serowe, following a decision by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse to suspend Bangwato Regent, Kgosi
Sidiegeng Kgamane on Wednesday this week,
Botswana Guardian has learnt.
The announcement by the Minister was done at the Serowe Administration Authority on Wednesday this week. Kgamane’s suspension is said to allow for investigation by a Commission of Inquiry to look at various issues among others, Kgamane’s failure to bar Bangwato from using the
Kgotla to address a private matters.
Autlwetse had instructed Kgamane not to allow anyone to use the Serowe Main Kgotla or any other
Kgotla to discuss a private matters, especially the controversial stand- off between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former President and Bangwato Paramount Chief, Ian Khama. Khama’s elders have tried in vain to meet President Mokgweetsi Masisi to discuss his stand- off with Khama. The president has however, instructed that the uncles meet Minister Autlwetse.
According to sources from the royal family, what has irked many in Serowe is the decision to have the suspension announced in a manner it was done. The last meeting in Serowe main Kgotla held early this month was to give feedback after the uncles met Khama in South Africa where he has been staying since last year. Botswana Guardian
has learnt that another meeting is being planned for today ( Friday) or next week, to address the matter which, according to sources, will further deepen the tension between Bangwato and Masisi. At the last meeting, Bangwato indicated that they will hold meetings at Serowe main Kgotla without any fear. They stated that the Kgotla belongs to them and not the government. In the last meeting, Kgamane and other Dikgosi in Serowe did not attend, following the instruction from the Minister.
Masisi visited Autlwetse at his home in Serowe after his motor vehicle was torched in the early hours of the date of the meeting. Masisi has stated that he would not allow Autlwetse to be abused as it has happened before and he will do all in his power to protect him. Sources have labelled this as a politically motivated suspension. His suspension comes at a time when Bangwato are awaiting confirmation of name of the royal preferred candidate to take over, as Kgamane has reached retirement age. It is alleged that the royal family did not have any qualms with Kgamane’s absence from the meeting as he was obeying the orders of the employer, but contended that government, through the local government ministry does not control the Kgotla. The royal family has vowed that it would use the Serowe main Kgotla at any given time, if there are issues that have to be shared with the public. In an interview with this publication Wednesday Kgosi Kgamane said he has not received any formal communication regarding the said suspension. He said since he was not in Serowe at the time when such statement of his suspension was done by the Minister, he would only know the truth about it once he arrived in office. “I have not seen such communication. I am actually on my way from Gaborone to Serowe. I left Serowe for Gaborone this morning ( Wednesday) and only going back this evening. I learnt about the said suspension from my children after they saw on social media. They called me to confirm if indeed it was true or if I have heard about it and I answered in the negative. I knocked off at 4pm on Tuesday without having heard or seen anything,” Kgosi Kgamane told this publication.
Minister Autlwetse confirmed the suspension which he said is indefinite. He said the suspension was with effect from Wednesday this week. The Minister further confirmed the setting up of a commission on inquiry.
“We have set up a Commission of Inquiry which will look at a number of issues in line with his work. I cannot however detail out what those issues are and cannot share more on the suspension out of respect for Kgosi Kgamane as an elder. More of the details can be shared by him. I cannot write him a letter then go ahead and speak details about the letter or the suspension that would be lack of respect for him,” said Autlwetse.