08/07/2026
Day 6
My countdown has not stopped, it has merely paused.Mabaka e le gore Tawana Land Board e letse e nkgwile dikgaba.
When I was informed that my Chanoga residential plot was ready for allocation, I immediately travelled from Gaborone to Maun via Air Botswana. I incurred the cost of flights, accommodation at Cresta, and vehicle hire, only to spend the entire day queuing under the scorching sun to complete the process.
The same happened when I was later instructed to collect my Certificate of Customary Land Grant, only to be informed upon arrival that it was not available. Since then, countless telephone calls have gone unanswered, and despite the numerous letters I have written, I have received no clear explanation or resolution.
This matter goes far beyond a certificate.
Maun and the surrounding Ngamiland communities hold a special place in my life's journey. My first major newspaper feature about the Berry Heart brand, written by Monkagedi Gaothoboge in Mmegi, came just before a poetry showcase in Maun. Shortly thereafter, I received my first front-page feature in The Voice by Daniel Chida. Those milestones marked the beginning of a journey that has grown into an internationally recognised Botswana brand.
When I received news of the Chanoga allocation, I genuinely believed I would finally establish a permanent home in the community that played such an important role in my growth. I had already envisioned constructing a landmark structure as part of my 40th birthday celebration next year, an investment that would not only honour my roots but also contribute to the local economy through employment, tourism, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Unfortunately, the unnecessary delays and administrative uncertainty surrounding the issuance of my Certificate of Customary Land Grant have shattered that dream.
As someone who co-runs a real estate company, I fully appreciate the legal implications of developing land that is not legally registered in one's name. It would be irresponsible and contrary to sound property practice to invest millions of p**a into land over which I have no legally recognised documentary security.
This is particularly painful because, unlike other properties I own, the Chanoga plot was not purchased. It is a lawful allocation made to me through the Government of Botswana under the customary land allocation system. It is, therefore, a right conferred upon me through due process, and I respectfully submit that I should not continue to face avoidable administrative barriers in enjoying that right.
Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident. Across Botswana, I have several undeveloped plots and farms I purchased a decade ago because transfers into my name have remained unresolved for prolonged periods. These systemic delays continue to discourage investment and defeat the very purpose of land allocation, which is to promote productive use and national development.
I respectfully urge the Tawana Land Board to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves. Administrative delays should never become barriers to lawful development, economic participation, or citizens' constitutional expectation of fair, reasonable, and efficient administrative action.
I remain committed to investing in Chanoga and contributing meaningfully to its growth. However, that vision can only become a reality if the legal processes necessary to secure my rights over the allocated land are concluded without further delay.
I therefore respectfully request the immediate issuance of my Certificate of Customary Land Grant, or alternatively, a written explanation detailing the legal basis for the continued delay and the specific timeframe within which this matter will be concluded.
