A clash has erupted between Kgosi Ian Khama and Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, over the handling of meetings between dikgosi and councillors. This follows a directive issued by the Ministry warning against official meetings between dikgosi and councillors outside of formally established structures such as the Kgotla or Full Council meetings.
In a strongly worded letter dated April 23, 2025, Khama accused Minister Motshegwa of undermining the traditional leadership institution and interfering with the autonomy of dikgosi. Khama challenged the Ministry’s position, arguing that as a Kgosi, he has the authority to summon meetings with councillors to discuss matters affecting the community, especially those concerning Bogosi and traditional administration. He dismissed the Ministry’s directive as an unjustifiable restriction that not only undermines the institution of Bogosi but also interferes with the community’s right to be informed and engaged on issues of local governance.
The Ministry’s letter, sent to all dikgosi on April 16, 2025, cautioned that it was unacceptable for dikgosi and councillors to have what it termed official meetings outside established structures. The Ministry emphasized that only meetings at the Kgotla concerning council business or Full Council meetings where dikgosi are attending in their ex officio capacity were legally permitted. It warned that any meetings beyond these would be objectionable and stressed the need to maintain the independence of the two institutions, stating that neither Bogosi nor local government structures should be subservient to the other.
Khama, however, accused the Minister of seeking to micromanage the affairs of Bogosi and treating dikgosi as though they were subordinate officials within the Ministry. He asserted that Bogosi, though part of the national governance system, has its own authority and historical mandate to engage with the community freely. Khama called on the Minister to withdraw the directive and respect the principle that Bogosi is not answerable to councillors, nor should councillors be shielded from legitimate engagement with traditional leaders.
