Government Should Protect All Citizenry Without Favour

Monitor Editor | Monday September 4, 2017 11:41

If it were indeed an abnormality, as relayed in the stories carried in this edition, for the Bahurutshe-boo-Manyana, Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele to be draped in leopard skin, why then did the government approve their application for their hides, only to turn around after external influence to confiscate them? The chronology of events raises eyebrows, as it is not even clear why the government quickly decided to confiscate the hides.

It is common knowledge that government’s actions were influenced by the Bangwaketse who feel that Kgosi Kebinatshwene’s donning of leopard skin will be a direct challenge to the authority of the Bangwaketse leader, Kgosi Malope II, who presides over the entire territory, including Manyana. Government seems to have reached a decision after listening to one side of the story, without engaging Bahurutshe on the importance and significance of draping their chief in a leopard skin. Let’s for argument sake say, only one chief is supposed to be draped in whatever animal skin of significance to the territory, wouldn’t the rules and regulations be already known to that particular territory as well as government?

If that was part of the rules and regulations that govern the territory would not Bahurutshe-boo- Manyana be privy to that information, and not have applied for the hides in the first place?

Commonsense suggests that the Bahurutshe were acting within their rights by draping their chief with a leopard skin, and were not breaking any territorial rules, as evidenced by their successful application to be provided with leopard and lion hides. The government, through the wildlife department, had not only approved Bahurutshe’s application for the hides, they had already provided the hides, only to turn around after influence from external forces, and withdraw the approval. Bahurutshe initially refused to give the hides back, as requested by government, which was within their rights.

The tribe however later on, decided to give the hides back and source their own hides to drape their chief. The government should not have taken sides on the matter, because as it stands, it looks like the decision favoured the Bangwaketse, which has led to speculation that the decision taken by government was politically motivated. Yes, the country is currently ruled by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), but the government’s responsibility is to protect the rights of each and every citizen, not only those who affiliate to the ruling. It is our hope that the government will provide the nation with clear reasons why it took the decision to confiscate the hides. Government should treat its citizenry equally and without prejudice.