Sharma, K.C. (n. d.) Role of traditional structures in local governance for local development: The case of Botswana

This paper by Prof. Keshav C. Sharma (University of Botswana), argues that traditional structures continue to play a role in local development. Involving traditional authorities and relying on their expertise can help to reduce tensions with local governments and improve local governance.

The paper explains that chiefs still enjoy considerable respect in Botswana and play a role in educating, advising and guiding people on various issues, although in some areas, allegiance to tribal structures is decreasing as people migrate to urban areas and the educated youth loses respect for traditional chiefs. Traditional forums called Kgotla facilitate the consultation process on formulation and implementation of public policies, district level plans and rural development projects. Chiefs are ex officio members of most District Councils in the areas of their jurisdiction. In district development committees, chiefs participate as equal partners along with the district council, land board and district level officers, although they sometimes have a difficult relationship with the democratically elected authorities. The House of Chiefs at national level allows traditional leaders to articulate their views on matters of their interest but its influence on national policy has been limited. Customary courts handle 80 to 90% of criminal and civil cases in Botswana and are popular with the rural population. However, not all chiefs possess necessary leadership qualities and development orientation and court clerks and chairmen lack legal knowledge and training, which decreases the quality of justice spoken at the customary courts.