Bogosi wrangle divides Batlokwa, Bakgatla
Tefo Pheage | Wednesday December 9, 2015 15:59
Bakgatla and Batlokwa royals are embroiled in an ugly feud over the Oodi chieftaincy that originally alternated between the two tribes following Batlokwa’s arrival in Oodi after fleeing tribal wars in Kweneng in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Early this year Batlokwa royals reported the matter to the minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Slumber Tsogwane, to intervene as they believe that Kgosi Segale Linchwe is biased towards his tribe, Bakgatla.
But Tsogwane ruled that Segale should continue with the case. At a subsequent meeting Batlokwa stood their ground and called on Segale to recuse himself.
Segale is of the view that the Oodi chieftaincy by virtue of not being a birth right should alternate between the two tribes’ royal wards of Kgosing and Monneng. This, he argues, is an agreement long entered into by the royal ancestors of the land, something that Batlokwa have dismissed.
He confirmed that he has decided to recuse himself after learning of Batlokwa’s persistance. “It is true that I have decided to recuse myself in the case in which I was leading. This is to make sure that the two parties are afforded a fair hearing is a principle in law,” Segale said, adding that he has informed the minister.
The issue is so complicated that the Oodi chieftaincy has got nothing documented to provide any clue as to the rightful heir.
Former Bakgatla regent, Kgosi Mothibe Linchwe, who is now the president of the Customary Court of Appeal, said at some point he requested all his tribes and their leaders to submit documentation on the history and future of their tribes “but unfortunately Oodi did not submit”.
It is understood Bakgatla want the ballot system and have nominated their name which will be competing with that of Batlokwa.The issue is however not likely to go to the contest stage as the leaders are still trying to strike a deal.
Segale said some members of both tribes want the ballot system as was the case in 1995 when Molebatsi Semele won against Ntsomeng.
One of the royals who preferred anonimity said it was important for the leaders to leave the village elders to make a determination, arguing that the tribe never goes wrong if given the oppotunity to explain their chieftaincy lineage. He argued that the leaders should be cautious and not impose their views on the people as that could backfire.
Assistant minister Botlhogile Tshireletso confirmed that the issue is before them and awaiting the minister’s determination. med although I am puzzled to read on the internet about the Dutch company’s insistence that traditionally the dikgotla are without tables and chairs. Are there any dikgotla which can do without such essential furnishings, not least for court cases?