29 May 2016

Government has accepted Wayeyi tribe’s request for recognition as an independent ethnic group, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, announced during a kgotla meeting in Gumare on May 28.

Minister Tsogwane said in accordance with the Bogosi Act, the Wayeyi could their own paramount chief and government was ready to appoint any candidate the tribe might select as their favourite chief.

The announcement came followed decades of appeals to government.

Kgosi Kebonyetsala Fish of Nokaneng said the move was a sign of true democracy. However, he said despite the new development, they were still subject to Batawana chieftainship.

He further stated that there had never been bad blood between the two tribes.

“We will continue living together in peace and harmony,” assured Kgosi Fish.

The North West assistant council chairman Mr Latlhang Molonda said what had just transpired was an illustration of tolerance and good governance.

He said it showed that people’s views were considered. He thanked Bayei for handling the issue carefully and with the respect it deserved. Ends