11 Sep 2014

Kgosi Molaodi Leipego of Hukuntsi has pleaded with his subjects to adhere to kgotla proceedings and demonstrate respect towards dikgosi.

Speaking at the launch of the Month of Prayer in Hukuntsi, Kgosi Leipego pointed out that it was disturbing to note that the pride and poise of the kgotla setup had diminished over the past years due to the community’s lack of respect for dikgosi and kgotla alike.

A kgotla system, he said, was the most democratic setup in the country where everyone was entitled to raise his/her view and the kgotla invitation was open to all regardless of their political party affiliation hence the Setswana saying, ‘mafoko a kgotla a mantle otlhe’.

He urged the community to refrain from perceiving a kgotla only as a disciplinary place where wrong dowers in the community are brought forward for justice, adding that a Kgotla these days serves as a platform where government policies and important information is disseminated to the community.

"Today, kgotla meetings are still held, where local issues are debated. The general goal is to attain consensus on whatever issue the assembly happens to be discussing,” he said.

He, however, cautioned the community for turning a kgotla into a political battle field highlighting that the community should distinguish between a political freedom square and a kgotla setup.

“It is with great disappointment to note that some individual try to use a kgotla setup to gain political mileage something which is totally against our tradition,” indicated Kgosi Leipego.

He further pleaded with the community to honour Bogosi saying that Dikgosi play a significant role in the administration of the country and they have shown leadership capabilities in the rules of law from pre-independence time.

He said Dikgosi have over the years played an active role in building the country and the nation moral fiber therefore they should at all times be involved in the decision making.

He said there should be active communication channels between Dikgosi and the community to avoid stand-off between tribes and the Dikgosi.

He pleaded with government to continue recognising the importance of Dikgosi in the society and create a platform where they can discuss issue of national interest with government.

He said off late, traditional leaders have been sidelined and their powers have been whittled thus making the Bogosi irrelevant. 

He advised Dikgosi to also not politicise Bogosi as that could create more room for disunity within the tribe as well as bringing down the dignity of Bogosi.BOPA