https://www.gov.bw/ministries/ministry-local-government-and-traditional-affairs, https://www.youtube.com/@BathoPele-2026

Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs - Botswana, Government Enclave, Gaborone (2026)

05/09/2026

𝟏𝟎5 𝐈𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐲𝐞

A total of 105 learners have graduated from the Ikageng Public Works Programme in Mahalapye, marking another milestone in government's drive to equip Batswana with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Hon. Ketlhalefile F.C. Motshegwa, called for Botswana's education system to produce more vocational and technical skills that meet labour market demands. He said programmes such as Ikageng are helping bridge the skills gap by preparing graduates for employment and self-reliance.

The Minister said the transformation of Ipelegeng into the Ikageng Public Works Programme has shifted the focus from temporary employment to skills development and sustainable livelihoods. He emphasised that graduates leave the programme with recognised competencies that can enable them to secure jobs, start businesses or pursue further training.

Hon. Motshegwa also linked the programme to the Revised National Policy on Rural Development, saying it supports rural industrialisation, strengthens village economies and reduces migration to urban areas. He encouraged councils, Dikgosi, Village Development Committees, trusts and cooperatives to work together to identify community projects that create jobs and stimulate local economic growth.

He commended Mahalapye District for leading the way in identifying community projects and empowering local people through skills development, noting that using Ikageng workers on public projects can reduce construction costs and create opportunities for improved participant allowances.

CITF Rapid Skills Development Centre Director, Mr Kalaote, said the programme has grown from constructing three houses in Ramotswa in 2022 to delivering more complex projects, including health posts, across the country. He said enrolment has increased from 53 learners at inception to more than 2,000 trainees nationally.

The 108 graduates completed training in bricklaying and plastering, plumbing and pipe fitting, electrical installation, carpentry, painting and tiling. The graduating class comprised 53 women and 52 men, reflecting near gender parity.

Graduate Tshenolo Keoabile, who has since secured employment with **Jindal Mine**, thanked Government for the opportunity, saying the programme gave him valuable skills that enabled him to enter the job market. He encouraged fellow graduates to use their certificates to pursue employment, self-employment or further training.

Closing the ceremony, Shoshong Member of Parliament, Hon. Bagaisamang, applauded the completion of three health posts through the programme and noted that several graduates have already secured jobs at Jindal Mine. He said the achievements demonstrate the programme's impact on improving livelihoods and called for the Mahalapye model to be replicated across the country.

04/09/2026

𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐑𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐊𝐀

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs Hon Mokwaledi I.Moswaane has outlined a development-focused agenda for Mapoka, promising progress in healthcare, skills development, agriculture and rural industrialisation.

Addressing the Mapoka community, the Assistant Minister first responded to concerns raised by Kgosi N. Habangana and the Village Development Committee (VDC) Chairperson Mr. Abel Thela over shortages of medication at local health facilities.
Hon.Moswaane acknowledged the shortages but said the situation had improved. He urged Matrons to intensify morning health education sessions to ensure patients understand the use and availability of alternative medicines.

The District reported a significant improvement in supplies, noting that where specific medicines are unavailable, suitable alternatives are provided, while the quantity supplied to patients has improved from approximately two weeks to a month or more.

He further highlighted the role of stakeholders working alongside the health sector through Botsogo Pitso, which continues to identify and address community health concerns, including gaps in essential supplies such as condoms and home-based care services. The Assistant Minister subsequently made a stopover at Mapoka Clinic.

However, primary healthcare was not the only area of development highlighted in the Minister’s address. He placed rural industrialisation at the centre of his remarks, calling on the Mapoka community to identify and harness opportunities that could drive economic growth in the village.

The Assistant Minister proposed community-led development projects spearheaded by the VDC in partnership with village leadership, and called on the Land Board to facilitate land allocation to projects such as horticulture, the Ikageng Skills Development Training Centre, a market and local commercial centre just to name the few . He also encouraged the formation of cooperatives and trusts to drive local enterprise.

The initiatives are aimed at creating employment, developing skills, strengthening agriculture and stimulating local economic activity.

04/09/2026

𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐅𝐅 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐌 𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐓 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

𝐆𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐄 - As Botswana prepares to celebrate its 60th Independence Anniversary, the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has joined the nation in dedicating the month of September to prayer, reflection, unity and collective action against challenges affecting communities.

The Ministry officially launched the Month of Prayer against HIV/AIDS, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Road Traffic Accidents, alongside its Independence celebrations activation, marking the beginning of a month focused on national pride, spiritual renewal and recommitment to building a healthier and safer Botswana.
Held under the theme “Let There Be Life,” the Month of Prayer provides an opportunity for citizens to seek God’s guidance, strengthen community solidarity and reflect on the collective responsibility required to address social and health challenges facing the country.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Permanent Secretary – Human Resources, Mr Mothusi James, called on employees to prioritise their wellbeing and actively participate in workplace wellness programmes, noting that a healthy and supported workforce is critical to delivering efficient and responsive services to Batswana.
Mr James emphasised that wellness programmes are structured interventions aimed at supporting the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of employees, encouraging staff members to embrace the lessons and motivation shared during the event and translate them into positive actions in their workplaces and communities.

“As we celebrate Botswana’s remarkable journey over the past 60 years, we must continue to demonstrate resilience, unity and responsibility in addressing challenges affecting our communities,” said Mr James.

He further encouraged employees to actively participate in the national Independence celebrations as Botswana marks its historic 60th anniversary on 30 September 2026, under the theme “Botswana at 60: Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity.”
Mr James’ message underscored the importance of every employee and citizen playing a role in building a resilient nation, promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening collective efforts against HIV/AIDS, NCDs, GBV and road traffic accidents.

From Primary Health Services, Ms Pono Pontsho highlighted that the Month of Prayer serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in addressing national challenges. She reflected on Botswana’s progress in the fight against HIV, describing the country’s journey as one of hope, innovation and leadership.

She noted Botswana’s achievements, including surpassing the global 95-95-95 HIV treatment targets and becoming the first high-burden country validated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV in 2025. She further highlighted continued efforts to expand access to HIV prevention services, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
However, Ms Pontsho cautioned that challenges remain, particularly the vulnerability of adolescent girls and young women and the continued impact of stigma. She encouraged staff to promote prevention, support affected individuals and communities, and contribute towards removing barriers that limit access to care and support.

The Ministry staff embraced the spirit of the occasion by creating a vibrant atmosphere, dressed in national colours and traditional attire, while showcasing Botswana’s cultural pride through traditional songs and dikhwaere as the country prepares to celebrate six decades of independence.

04/09/2026

𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐀

𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 - The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) services to ensure Batswana continue to receive accessible, quality and responsive healthcare following the transfer of the function to the Ministry.

Addressing a two-day meeting with PHC leadership and management from across the country, Acting Permanent Secretary Ms Tshepo Kebakile said the engagement provided an opportunity to reflect on the transfer of the PHC function, assess operational challenges and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to improve service delivery.

Ms Kebakile commended PHC leadership and healthcare workers for maintaining uninterrupted services since the transfer, noting that their dedication had ensured citizens continued to access essential healthcare despite the challenges associated with the transition. She encouraged open communication, teamwork and early intervention to address challenges before they affect service delivery, emphasising that the transfer was a government decision that requires collective responsibility in the interest of Batswana.
The meeting deliberated on key operational and administrative matters affecting PHC, including governance, human resource capacity, staff welfare, change management, recruitment and professional development. Participants also highlighted the importance of strengthening mobile outreach services, which continue to expand healthcare access for communities, particularly those in remote areas.

The Ministry acknowledged the commitment of frontline healthcare workers, including those who work extended hours to respond to emergencies and ensure continuity of essential services. It stressed the importance of accurately recording and recognising overtime worked by employees in the delivery of healthcare services.
As part of the meeting outcomes, participants validated PHC objectives aligned to the Ministry’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, developed with financial and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Botswana. The engagement also focused on developing key performance indicators (KPIs) to guide implementation, measure progress and strengthen accountability.

The exercise identified practical interventions aimed at improving health outcomes, standardising performance reporting and ensuring that PHC services remain responsive to the needs of citizens.

The strategy reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to the Batho Pele principle of putting people first by delivering efficient, accountable and citizen-centred Primary Health Care services.

03/09/2026

𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐆𝐖𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

𝐆𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐄 - Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Hon. Ketlhalefile F.C. Motshegwa, has called on leaders across the public and private sectors to champion ethical leadership, accountability and good corporate governance to build stronger institutions and improve service delivery.

Speaking at the 5th Annual Wise Leadership Corporate Governance Conference, held under the theme "Board Leadership Redefined: Strengthening Strategic Board Oversight and Sustained Market Confidence," the Minister said the success of any institution depends on leadership that is proactive, agile and guided by integrity. He urged leaders to lead by example, create environments that nurture future leaders and uphold sound governance principles.

The Minister highlighted the Ministry's ongoing transformation agenda, saying it is implementing reforms aimed at strengthening public administration through effective leadership, sound decision-making and service excellence. He noted that the Ministry is taking steps towards a more corporate approach to governance to enhance efficiency and accountability.

Minister Motshegwa said the transformation of Local Authorities remains a priority, with efforts focused on building high-performing councils that can better support local economic development and deliver quality, citizen-centred services. He said councils play a vital role in facilitating business through services such as licensing and land administration, and their close proximity to communities positions them to respond more effectively to citizens' needs.

To improve service delivery and reduce bureaucratic delays, the Minister said the MLGTA is repositioning itself as a facilitator that enables investment and makes it easier for Batswana to access government services. He added that responsive institutions require leaders who can bridge the gap between policy and the everyday needs of citizens.

The conference brought together governance experts, board members and executives to discuss emerging issues in corporate governance, including board leadership, sustainability reporting, artificial intelligence, and the transition from the King IV to the King V Code. International corporate governance expert Professor Mervyn King was among the keynote speakers.

03/09/2026

📻 𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐋𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘– 𝐑𝐁𝟏

🗓️ Today, 03 September 2026 at 13:35

Join us as we unpack infusion of fish delicacy in Primary School menu with Chief Education Service Officer from the Department of Social Development Ms Vanity Mafule

03/09/2026

𝐃𝐈𝐊𝐆𝐎𝐒𝐈 𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘-𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄

𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 - Dikgosi have been encouraged to take a leading role in protecting Botswana's traditional knowledge, natural resources and cultural heritage while spearheading community-led development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods across the country.

Addressing the Dikgosi and Court Presidents Forum, Ms Tshegofatso Lejowa, Chief Communal Resources Coordinator, presented on the importance of Bio-Cultural Community Protocols (BCPs), describing them as a practical tool for empowering communities to manage and benefit from their natural resources.

She explained that the protocols support the implementation of the Revised National Policy for Rural Development by placing communities at the centre of decision-making and ensuring that development is guided by local knowledge, values and priorities.
Ms Lejowa noted that many rural communities continue to experience the unauthorised extraction of indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants and biological resources without prior informed consent or equitable benefit-sharing. She added that illegal sand mining and the unsustainable harvesting of natural resources continue to threaten rural livelihoods, biodiversity and long-term economic opportunities.

She said Bio-Cultural Community Protocols provide communities with an opportunity to formally document their identity, customary laws, governance systems and cultural values while establishing clear conditions for researchers, investors and other external stakeholders seeking access to community resources and traditional knowledge. According to Ms Lejowa, the protocols strengthen conservation efforts, promote meaningful community participation and ensure that communities benefit fairly from the sustainable use of their natural resources.

She further emphasised that Dikgosi, through the Kgotla system, are uniquely positioned to facilitate inclusive consultations involving elders, women, youth and traditional knowledge holders. Such engagements will enable communities to map their natural resources, preserve indigenous knowledge and strengthen their understanding of the legal protections available to safeguard their heritage. She also highlighted that the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has already completed natural resource mapping in Tswapong, North East and the Nata-Gweta areas and continues to support communities in developing their own Bio-Cultural Community Protocols.

In a separate presentation, Ms Banyatsi Tuke of the Department of Social Development outlined the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA), describing it as Government's strategy for transforming social protection from welfare assistance into a pathway for economic empowerment and self-reliance. She explained that the approach enables communities to identify and build on their existing strengths by making effective use of human, natural, financial, physical and social assets to improve household incomes and resilience.

Ms Tuke underscored the vital role of Dikgosi in mobilising communities, promoting collective action, identifying local economic opportunities and encouraging citizens to participate in productive economic activities. She noted that the Ministry has trained leaders and district implementers across the country and conducted awareness campaigns in all 31 districts to support the nationwide rollout of the Sustainable Livelihood Approach, which seeks to strengthen local economies, create employment and advance Botswana's economic transformation.

Closing the forum, Assistant Minister Mokwaledi Ignatious Moswaane called on Dikgosi to take ownership of the natural resources within their jurisdictions and work closely with communities to unlock local economic opportunities. He encouraged them to champion rural industrialisation, promote sustainable resource management and remain informed about development initiatives earmarked for their respective areas to ensure communities derive maximum benefit from Government programmes.

02/09/2026

𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐅𝐅 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘

𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 - Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Hon. Ketlhalefile F.C. Motshegwa, has reiterated the Ministry's commitment to improving staff welfare, saying employees remain the foundation of effective service delivery.

Addressing Tribal Administrators during a staff welfare meeting, the Minister said the Ministry is working to cultivate a culture where employees feel valued and appreciated, noting that investing in people is essential to building a strong and high-performing organisation.

He commended Tribal Administrators for their dedication, describing the Department of Tribal Administration as one of the Ministry's most organised despite the sensitive nature of its work. He acknowledged longstanding concerns over the department's functional structure, announcing that the structure has now been approved and is awaiting implementation.

The Minister also recognised resource constraints, particularly the shortage of transport, and assured staff that efforts are underway to address these challenges. He, however, urged officers to continue delivering quality services, emphasising that members of the public should leave government offices feeling that their concerns have been addressed.

He further stressed the importance of responsibility and accountability in resolving public concerns promptly and effectively.
The meeting also discussed key issues affecting the department, including human resource matters, decentralisation of the appointment of Headsmen of Arbitration, implementation of the functional structure, staff welfare and measures to strengthen service delivery amongst others.

02/09/2026

𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒

01/09/2026

𝐃𝐈𝐊𝐆𝐎𝐒𝐈 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐒 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐂 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍

𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍- The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the institution of Bogosi by positioning Dikgosi as key partners in governance, community development and service delivery.
This emerged during the Dikgosi and Court Presidents Forum, where traditional leaders met with Ministry leadership to validate the Ministry's 2026–2030 Strategic Plan. The forum formed part of the Ministry's efforts to ensure the strategy reflects the views and priorities of stakeholders who play a critical role in serving communities across Botswana.

The Strategic Plan places renewed emphasis on modernising the institution of Bogosi and enhancing its role in grassroots governance. It recognises Dikgosi as important partners in planning and development while committing to reviewing legislation governing Bogosi and customary courts to better align it with the responsibilities already carried by traditional leaders.

The Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Hon Ketlhalefile FC Motshegwa, encouraged Dikgosi to shape a practical and implementable strategy that responds to the evolving needs of communities. He emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration between hereditary and elected leadership to promote peace, resolve disputes and accelerate community development.

Minister Motshegwa further challenged Dikgosi to identify opportunities within their respective districts that can stimulate local economic growth while preserving Botswana's rich cultural heritage. He underscored the need for innovative, community-driven solutions that can be replicated across the country to improve the livelihoods of citizens.

In her welcome remarks, Acting Permanent Secretary Ms Tshepo Kebakile noted that the Strategic Plan, developed with financial and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), provides a roadmap for improving local governance, strengthening traditional administration and enhancing service delivery.

During the discussions, Dikgosi proposed several measures to strengthen the institution of Bogosi and improve collaboration with other stakeholders. They called for greater involvement of traditional leaders in district planning processes alongside councillors to ensure complementary roles in community development. They also recommended that rural industrialisation initiatives take into account local customs and the leadership role of Dikgosi.

The forum further proposed the introduction of induction programmes for newly appointed Dikgosi, the establishment of a Bogosi Chamber to facilitate dialogue on matters affecting traditional leadership, formal recognition of retired Dikgosi for their invaluable institutional knowledge, and enhanced security arrangements for Dikgosi presiding over criminal cases.

The validation forum marked an important step towards finalising a Strategic Plan that reflects the aspirations of communities while reinforcing the role of traditional leadership in delivering inclusive, responsive and people-centred governance.

Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs - Botswana

05/09/2026

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