LAND TRIBUNAL
The Land Tribunal is a Court of Law and Equity, created by Section 14 and 40 of the Tribal Land Act (CAP: 32:02) and Sections 27, 32 and 33 of the Town and Country Planning Act (CAP: 32:09). It is a specialized Court that deals with land disputes or appeals emanating from decisions of the Main Land Boards and Planning Authorities. Its judgments are appealable to the High Court of Botswana.
The Land Tribunal has four divisions in Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye and Maun. The services of the Land Tribunal are accessible at its four divisions. However, for ease of access and expanded coverage circuit court services are arranged for different areas.
Vision-A leader in promoting and providing equal access and efficient justice to all.
Mission-To provide fair, effective and efficient legal and judicial services, promote equality and safeguard human rights, as well as alternative dispute resolution services.
Values:
Service Excellence- We commit to deliver our services efficiently and effectively, in accordance with best international standards.
Equity- We commit to act fairly and impartially by instilling the principle of justice, equality and equal opportunities.
Botho- We shall always be well-mannered, courteous and disciplined in discharging our mandate. We shall deliver services with humility, courtesy and respect.
Integrity- We commit to be honest, trustworthy and uphold strong moral principles. We shall display high level of trust, honest, professionalism and dependability.
Accountability- We commit to be responsible for our actions and be accountable for the due performance of our duties.
Transparency- We commit to conduct ourselves and perform our duties in an open and clear manner.
Composition of the Land Tribunal
The Land Tribunal is presided over by the Land Tribunal President who sits with two or more Court Members. The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the day to day general Administration of the Land Tribunal.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
The Land Tribunal is responsible for:
• Adjudication of Appeals emanating from the decisions of Public Bodies (Main Land Boards and Planning Authorities).
UNITS OF THE LAND TRIBUNAL
Core business/Court Administration:
• Judicial
• Court administration
(Clerks, reporting, interpretation, bailiff)
Corporate Services
• Human Resources Management and Administration
• Public Relations
• Procurement
• IT
• Library
• Records Management
Any party aggrieved by the decision of the Main Land Board or Planning Authorities in terms of sections cited above..
• In order to file an appeal with the Land Tribunal, follow the steps below:
Land Board Appeals
• File Land Board Resolution being challenged.
• Appellant(s) to file notice and grounds of appeal with the Clerk of Court (the notice of appeal should contain full names, addresses, contacts of ALL the parties, grounds of appeal and relief sought).
• Submit a list of witnesses that you intend to call (if any).
• Attach certified copies of National Identity card / Omang or passport for non-citizens, Certificate of Customary Land Grant /lease agreement / title deed, and a sketch plan (if any) depicting the area in dispute.
• Attach certified copy of certificate of incorporation, certificate of registration, constitution, certificate of registration (if the Appellant is a company, Trust, Syndicate, Church, Club Society etc.).
• Pay P50.00 registration fee.
• The Appellant(s) to serve the Respondent(s) (either through personal service or registered mail) after filing with the Land Tribunal.
• The Appellant(s) to file Affidavit of service with the Land Tribunal.
• The Respondent(s) to file a notice of intention to defend within a month after being served by the Appellant. Respondent(s) to specify their reasons for defense and relief sought.
Planning Appeals
• File Planning Authority Resolution being challenged.
• Appellant(s) to file notice and grounds of appeal with the Clerk of Court (the notice of appeal should contain full names, addresses, contacts of ALL the parties, grounds of appeal and relief sought).
• Submit a list of witnesses that you intend to call (if any).
• Attach certified copies of National Identity card / Omang or passport for non-citizens, Certificate of Customary Land Grant /lease agreement / title deed, a copy of drawings that were submitted to the Planning Authority in support of the application and a copy of signed neighborhood consultation form (if any).
• Attach certified copy of certificate of incorporation, certificate of registration, constitution, certificate of registration (if the Appellant is a company, Trust, Syndicate, Church, Club Society etc).
• Pay P50.00 registration fee.
• The Appellant(s) to serve the Respondent(s) (either through personal service or registered mail) after filing with the Land Tribunal.
• The Appellant(s) to file Affidavit of service with the Land Tribunal.
• The Respondent(s) to file a notice of intention to defend within a month after being served by the Appellant. Respondent(s) to specify their reasons for defense and relief sought.
• Land Board to file Minutes encompassing the decision of the Board pertaining to the disputed resolution.
• Land Board to file readable and colored sketch plans (both Old and Updated) depicting the area in dispute
• Planning Authority to file minutes encompassing the decision of the Physical Planning Committee pertaining to the disputed resolution.
If the Appellant has all the requisite documents, the service is approximated to less than 30 minutes.
Visit any of the Land Tribunal Divisions
• Visit any of the Land Tribunal Divisions in person or contact the Divisions as listed below;
1. The Registrar
Land Tribunal
Private Bag 00211
Gaborone, Botswana
Plot 21 Corner of Khama Cresent and Queens Road
Phone: (+267) 3903388
Fax: (+267) 3904711
2. Assistant Registrar
Gaborone Division
Private Bag 00211
Gaborone, Botswana
Plot 21 Corner of Khama Cresent and Queens Road
Phone: (+267) 3903388
Fax: (+267) 3904711
3. Assistant Registrar
Francistown Division
Private Bag F146
Francistown, Botswana
Plot 252, 6167 Khutse Cresent, Light Industrial,Francistown
Phone: (+267) 3903388
Fax: (+267) 3904711
4. Assistant Registrar
Palapye Division
P O Box 10318, POTA
Palapye
Plot 19668/74, Lotsane Junction Mall
(The Square-mart Mall)
Tel: 4929263/ 4920265
Fax: 4920262
5. Assistant Registrar
Maun Division
P O Box 177, Maun
Plot 465, Boseja ward , Maun
Tel: 6863744
Fax: 6863670
Opening hours: 07:30 to 12:45 and 13:45 to 16:30 Monday to Friday, except weekends and public holidays.
Additional information can also be obtained in the Land Tribunal Act, 2014.
