Botswana: The government of Botswana shared about their meeting place in Botswana, which is morafhe, a traditional institution, a meeting place for the community and Kgosi.
The Kgotla is where morafhe discuss issues that are pertinent to them, such as village administration, development and socio-economic issues. The settling of disputes and the solemnization of marriage are also done at the Kgotla.
In each morafhe in Botswana, there is a Kgotla; here, each person is entitled to speak freely to take part in the decision making process on issues that affect them and their community.
The Kgotla powers are derived from tradition and have been in existence since pre-colonial times.
During pre-colonial times the Kgotla had powers to allocate land, collect tax to perform public works such as roads and building constructions. The powers of the Kgotla and Kgosi changed during Protectorate time and after Botswana gained its Independence.
Botswana”s democracy is anchored on the Kgotla system, thus forming the basis of the process of policy-making decisions for National Development Planning and Nation building.
The introduction of SmartBots wifi connectivity to the Kgotla has catapulted the Kgotla to modern-day Botswana and society.
The online connectivity (digitizing )provided at the Kgotla’s has ushered in a new dawn as people are connected to each other, and no one is left behind.
This places the Kgotla as an indispensable place for gathering, connecting and free participation in discussions held face to face and online. Digitizing the Kgotla has made information accessible to everyone, including the youth, who make up 60% of Botswana’s population.
Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K.Masisi’s Reset Agenda priority on Digitalisation has ensured that as Botswana progresses, the Kgotla is preserved as the traditional place for therian (consultation) connecting each to Batswana and to the Global Village.
The Kgotla Botswana’s pride, Botswana’s custodian of democracy, culture and tradition, has now been anchored safely into the future.Mmualebe o bua la gagwe.