08 Apr 2018

Hundreds of people who thronged Tati Siding main Kgotla for the election of the deputy chief on Thursday went home disappointed after Department of Tribal Administration officials postponed the election to April 27.

The elections came after those conducted late in March failed to yield any results; as the name of the nominee was rejected by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

The headman of records, once elected, will deputise Kgosi Simon Nkgageng.

Prior to the elections, there were concerns from some residents about the timing of the elections; as some people felt that the midweek date was not suitable as many villagers were away and would be denied the opportunity to choose their traditional leader.

Furthermore, officials from the North East Tribal Administration office decried the low turnout, which necessitated the postponement of the elections.

Tribal administration secretary, Ms Onneetse Rakoma told residents that they should have an input on the suitable election date and informed them that the move was in their best interest.

For her part, Ms Ditshwanelo Amos, a resident, suggested that the elections be postponed, owing to the low numbers.

She mentioned that it was important for many people to be given the opportunity to participate.

Ms Amos explained that the reason why many people had not turned up was that the message and date had not been properly communicated to the residents.

Further, she said they should choose a day suitable for the majority of people, including those who are working, especially during the weekend.

Another resident, Mr Kago Ikaneng concurred with those who called for a postponement, noting that the elections had been marred by a lot of issues, explaining that this was the second postponement which was a cause for concern.

She pleaded with residents and officials from the Tribal Administration to work together so that the process could be concluded smoothly. In the previous elections, former Tatisiding councillor and North East District Council chairperson, Mr Kopano Maruping emerged as the winner, but his name was not approved by the minister. Ends