Local Government

Local Government in Botswana refers to government by Local Authorities who are commonly known as District and Urban Councils, Offices of the District Commissioner and Tribal Administration. Together with other key institutions such as the Village Development Committee, Local Authorities form the institutional framework within which Local Government operate.

Being a former British colony, the country has adopted the British system of Local Government where an eclectic mix of a democratically elected sphere of government and an appointed government cadre closest to the people is most rational and representative allowing for the efficient provision of public service at the point of service need.

The three tiers of Local Government in Botswana are:

• District and Urban Councils
Councils have been established by Act of Parliament and have powers within their defined area of jurisdiction. A council is a body corporate with judicious powers. It is distinguishable by name and seal by which it is established and capable of being sued under the same name. Councils provide a wide variety of services to communities including the provision of a political forum for district and urban development issues affecting communities through their representative Councilors.

• District Administration
Given the complexity of the district and urban planning process, the office of the District Commissioners (DC) has been brought in to coordinate district and urban development. The DC also performs delegated functions of central government departments at the local level and oversees the implementation of government policies. Besides the planning responsibilities, the DC retains certain judicial functions.

• Tribal Administration
Chieftainship is one of the oldest institutions in Botswana. It has survived the vicissitudes of the colonial period. The Chief who is head of tribal administration wields considerable personal and political influence, popularity, legitimacy, prestige and power.

Tribal Administration is responsible for a wide variety of traditional, cultural and ceremonial duties. This includes administration of tribal justice through a customary courts system known as the Kgotla which handles criminal and civil cases and provides advice on tribal matters.