Khama, Govt clash

• Khama IV objects to killing of elephants for boipuso
• ‘Kgosi Khama has no authority to cancel govt offer’ – Minister

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The decision by Botswana government to award elephants to different tribes as part of donations for the 60^th independence anniversary celebrations has infuriated former president Ian Khama, conservationists and pockets of international community.

To express his disapproval, Khama IV -who is Kgosi of Bangwato tribe ordered his tribesmen in Serowe district to reject the government offer, which he promised to substitute with cattle to be slaughtered for the festivities. Khama is a hard-core conservation enthusiast, whom during his tenure as President of Botswana would sacrifice an invitation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to instead attend a gathering convened by Conservation International. He is a patron of the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, who host an international Race for Rhinos to raise funds for the conservation of the near- extinct black and white rhino populations in Botswana.

Unhappy with Khama’s letter dated 29^th September, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi dispatched his own to Mothusa Kgosi at Bangwato Tribal Administration, Seretse Peter Khama warning that, “note that Kgosi Khama does not have the authority to reverse or alter any decision made by the Government”

Confirming the offer of elephants for slaughter, Mmolotsi said while Khama is at liberty to give cattle to his tribe, he has not authority to alter, reverse or interfere with the offer made by government to the people of Serowe district. “The offer of elephants made by the ministry remains valid and stands as communicated,” he wrote.

Mmolotsi reminded Khama that; “Botswana, as a republic is governed by the Constitution and other subsidiary legislation. The government took a decision to issue wild animals to Batswana for the diamond jubilee independence commemoration. This initiative is aligned with government policy of sustainable utilization of the wildlife resources for the benefit of Batswana”.

Further, Mmolotsi explained that the elephants in question are “problem animals that are roaming in areas inhabited by people and “causing damage to crops, farm installations which includes boreholes and fences. In some cases, these animals cause injury and death to our fellow citizenry”.

Turbulent relations

Interestingly, Mmolotsi was the second cabinet Minister to clash with Khama VI in the space of a week. A week earlier, Khama IV addressed a kgotla meeting in Mmadinare village where he is reported to have criticized a decision by the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa for appointing a three-man delegation to investigate the chieftainship dispute in the village. Coincidentally, Motshegwa is the Member of Parliament for Mmadinare and a native of the village.

Apparently, Khama IV was unhappy that being the paramount chief of Gammangwato territory, which covers Mmadinare village, he was side-lined in the decision making regarding the chieftainship dispute.

Some observers said the ongoing exchanges expose growing tensions between Khama IV and the ruling politicians who are often forced to invoke constitutional powers and statute to restrain the former.