INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP
At 30 years of age, Ronald Ntsogotho has accomplished more than many peers in his community of Khwai, a small settlement with a population of about 800 people.
Situated outside Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Khwai is prime land rich in pristine flora and fauna, made even more lively by a vibrant community.
In this candid interview with The Voice Journalist, FRANCINAH BAAITSE,
Ntsogotho tells us about life in the wilderness, survival of the river people, growing up swimming with crocodiles and hippos, and how his grandmother would cut meat from a dead animal while lions were still tearing it up. Further, Ntsogotho shares his vision for his village.
Thank you for your time and congratulations on your new appointment as Khwai Development Trust Chairman. Briefly tell us about what your job entails?
Thank you. It is the first time I get to be interviewed and so I am really happy and honoured. In short, I am the ambassador of the Trust, an overseer of implementation of policies, decision-making, and I work hand in hand with other board members, Trust members and stakeholders such TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) and whatever I do is guided by the Trust’s constitution. I shape the vision and mission of the Trust as a front runner. That is what I do on daily basis.
What’s the mission of the Trust?
To improve livelihoods of our community; social balance in terms of earning, living standards and access to health facilities, those are the things we want to ensure every member of the Trust attains. We are happy and appreciate that the government of Botswana considered us when introducing the Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) policy in the late 90s as it affords us the chance to transform our livelihood through sustainable natural resource management within NG18 and NG19. Without it, there won’t be the realised care as it is now.
What can you tell us
about the community you represent ?
My community is made up of quite an enchanting people, very lively to be with, so much informed; I applaud them at this stage because they come from afar with this tradition (indigenous knowledge) and transformation happens when they are there. Regarding the dream of CBNRM, you will realise that we are among the first to be established back in 2000, so the members are reasonably empowered in terms of knowledge sharing and they possess a wealth of indigenous knowledge; how you could manage the resources, sustain them and improve your life based on what you have on the ground.