- Demands return of 22 000 ha in Okavango Delta to Ngamiland residents
- Accuses Masisi govt of land grabbing, calls for restoration of tribal Land
SOLOMON TJINYEKA
MP for Maun North, Dumelang Saleshando has called on government to return “prime tribal land” in the Okavango Delta that was acquired through a Presidential Directive in 2021 under former President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Saleshando told a kgotla meeting in Maun that the land was acquired illegally, labeling the decision as “land grabbing” by the former administration of President Mokgweetsi Masisi. He urged the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) administration to reverse the decision and restore the land to the Batawana Tribal Authority.
The disputed area, totaling approximately 22,029.2 hectares, includes parts of the Moremi Game Reserve, NG28, and NG21 in the Okavango Delta. The land was acquired by the Office of the President in 2021 for what the government described as the establishment of secure state facilities for tourism purposes.
The decision sparked widespread criticism. When the proposal was presented to the Northwest District Council, 22 out of 37 councilors voted against it, while 14 supported it.
Saleshando, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, has pledged to make the issue a key priority in the upcoming Winter Parliament session. He further stated that he is prepared to take legal action if necessary, calling on the public to support him in the fight to reclaim the land.
He also referenced a similar case in Tswapong, where President Duma Boko has promised to return a 10,000-hectare parcel of land acquired in 2023 without adequate public consultation. Saleshando said he will challenge Boko to do the same for the Batawana land, insisting it was taken unlawfully and should be returned for the benefit of the local communities.
“The land should go back to the Batawana Tribal Authority so that the people of the Northwest District can use it for community-based tourism not just for a Presidential lodge as envisioned by the previous administration,” he said.
Kebareeditse Ntshogotho, a specially nominated councillor who was part of the council vote, emphasized that the issue requires careful handling and inclusive consultations. He highlighted the historical significance of the land and pointed out that many communities including Khwai, Ditshiping, Mababe, and Sankuyo were displaced during the creation of Moremi Game Reserve.
“These communities have inherent rights to the land, which is integral to their cultural identity and economic survival,” said Ntshogotho.
While he supports the return of the land, Ntshogotho insisted that all stakeholders, especially affected and relocated tribes, must be involved in the decision-making process.
“A collaborative approach could result in sustainable tourism practices that benefit both local communities and environmental conservation,” he said. “Balancing development, residents’ rights, and ecological responsibilities is crucial. Proper engagement will ensure a smooth transition of the land back to the people of Ngamiland.”