The Botswana government is considering a major overhaul of the country's land administration system, potentially abolishing the existing land boards and replacing them with a centralised Land Commission. This proposal, reportedly being studied by the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, would mark a significant change to the system in place for nearly sixty years. The land boards, which have been responsible for managing communal land, may see their authority dissolved and consolidated into a single body.
The proposed Land Commission would be a significant departure from the current system, which features a dispersed network of locally elected custodians. The new body would centralise power, potentially altering the way land is parcelled out, overseen, and safeguarded. With the three-year terms of land board members set to lapse, the government faces a pressing decision on the fate of this institution. The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture is understood to be working on the restructuring, but details remain unclear.
The Botswana Association of Tribal Land Authorities (BATLA), which represents the officials whose roles are under review, has not been formally consulted on the proposed Land Commission. BATLA vice-chairperson Fidelis Machola confirmed that the current terms of land board members expire early next month but declined to comment on the potential abolition of the boards. The lack of transparency and consultation has raised concerns about the future of the land boards and the proposed commission.
A committee within the ministry has reportedly drafted a proposal, which has been submitted to the minister for consideration. However, details about the proposed structure of the commission, the appointment of its members, and the breadth of its authority remain unclear. The WeekendPost understands that some UDC supporters could be appointed to positions within the proposed commission following the party's victory in the 2024 general elections.
The potential overhaul has sparked concerns about the politicisation of the land administration system. The UDC has spoken openly about recognising and rewarding supporters who contributed to its 2024 campaign success. While it is unclear whether these loyalties will influence the restructuring, the question lingers over the proposal. The government faces a critical decision on the future of an institution that has shaped Botswana's tribal land administration for almost six decades.
The ministry is considering a temporary measure to extend the tenure of outgoing land board members by several months while amendments to the Tribal Land Act are drafted. These amendments could be presented to Parliament as early as the November sitting. Efforts to obtain comment from the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Edwin Dikoloti, were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The current uncertainty is set against a backdrop of controversy surrounding the appointment of land board members in 2023. Nearly 400 members were elected under the previous government, with allegations of politically motivated appointments. The proposed overhaul has raised questions about the future of the land boards and the individuals who will be responsible for managing Botswana's communal land in the years ahead.
Key points
- The Botswana government is considering abolishing the existing land boards and replacing them with a centralised Land Commission.
- The proposed commission would centralise power, potentially altering the way land is managed in Botswana.
- The lack of transparency and consultation with the Botswana Association of Tribal Land Authorities has raised concerns about the future of the land boards.
