Councilors from the Tsabong District Council have thrown their full support behind the National Decentralization Draft Policy, highlighting its potential to significantly improve governance at the grassroots level. They believe the policy will enable them to more effectively represent their communities, as it provides greater authority over local decision-making, allowing for quicker responses to the specific needs and priorities of constituents.
The councilors praised the efforts of the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Hon. Ketlhalefile F.C. Motshegwa, for spearheading legislative reforms that complement the policy. In particular, they welcomed the review of the Bogosi Act of 2008 and the Customary Court Act of 2013, describing these updates as vital for reinforcing discipline, fairness, and accountability in local communities.
A notable highlight for the councilors was the government’s initiative to establish dedicated constituency offices. They noted that having a permanent physical presence will enhance their ability to manage constituent issues, improve communication with the public, and increase both transparency and accountability in governance processes.
The Minister, during his address to the Full Council, emphasized the National Decentralization Draft Policy’s core objective: to reorganize and empower local government as a strong second tier of governance. He stressed that the decentralization of functions, responsibilities, and resources to local authorities is essential to improving public service delivery and ensuring that citizens are active participants in shaping development priorities.
Minister Motshegwa also urged councilors to embrace visionary leadership and collaborative efforts, noting that unified local governance is key to unlocking progress in job creation and infrastructure development. He highlighted the establishment of a financial task team as a critical step in ensuring councils are equipped to manage funds efficiently, implement local development projects, and maintain financial discipline.
Additionally, the Minister revealed that the Ipelegeng programme is undergoing significant transformation to become a skills-oriented initiative. The revamped version will incorporate training in basic infrastructure development and maintenance, in collaboration with institutions such as brigades and the Construction Industry Trust Fund (CITF). This move is aimed at equipping beneficiaries with practical, employable skills and preparing them for integration into the formal job market.
Ahead of the Council meeting, Minister Motshegwa also engaged with Tsabong District Council staff in a general meeting. He commended their commitment to service delivery despite facing resource constraints. In response, staff members expressed their gratitude for the Minister’s visit and called for a review of working conditions to ensure fair recognition of the diverse roles and responsibilities within the council’s workforce.
As Botswana continues to pursue more inclusive and participatory governance, the positive reception of the National Decentralization Draft Policy by Tsabong’s local leaders signals a promising path forward for sustainable development driven by empowered communities.
