The Ghanzi District Council is the local government authority responsible for administering the Ghanzi District in western Botswana. Headquartered in the township of Ghanzi, the council oversees a vast, sparsely populated region often referred to as the “Gateway to the Kalahari.” The district is geographically significant for its extensive cattle ranching industry, which serves as a primary economic driver, and for its rich cultural heritage, being home to various communities including the San (Basarwa) and Bakgalagadi people. The council operates within a unique environment characterized by remote settlements and heavy reliance on agriculture and tourism, necessitating a tailored approach to governance that addresses both commercial farming interests and rural development needs.
Functionally, the Council is mandated to deliver essential social services and infrastructure to the district’s residents. Its core responsibilities include the provision and maintenance of primary education facilities, primary health care clinics, tertiary roads, and village water supplies. Beyond basic infrastructure, the Council plays a critical role in social welfare through the Remote Area Development Programme (RADP), which aims to uplift marginalized communities living outside major villages by providing economic opportunities and public services. The body is composed of elected councilors who represent various wards, working alongside administrative staff headed by a Council Secretary to implement national policies at the local level and coordinate development projects across the district’s settlements.