15 Apr 2019

Headman of records, Kgosi Letso Malema has been nominated by residents as the rightful heir to the throne at Molalatau.

This happened during a kgotla meeting called by Kgosi Ezekiel Joel recently. 

Kgosi Malema’s name was suggested to fill the vacant post of Sub Tribal Authority, a post that became vacant following the retirement of Kgosi Solomon Pharithi last year.

Kgosi Malema’s uncles and morafe unanimously agreed that theirs was hereditary hence Kgosi Malema must be elevated to the post. Kgosi Malema is the son of former Senior Sub Tribal Authority in Bobonong, Kgosi Mmirwa Malema.

One of the uncles, Mr Selamolela Malema said the royal family discussed the issue and unanimously agreed that Kgosi Malema, who had been deputising Kgosi Pharithi, be elevated to his rightful place.

He said Kgosi Malema’s role as headman of records was not his actual post, but respected the fact that Kgosi Pharithi had been leading the village for a long time since Kgosi Malema assumed his role in Bobonong.

Mr Selamolela explained that the chieftainship of Molalatau belonged to the Malema’s and was not contested for.

Another speaker, Mr Mosipidi Malema, representing the aunts, said it was true that the family agreed on Kgosi Malema to take over his rightful role, saying when he was brought to the kgotla years back, some wanted Kgosi Pharithi to step aside but the family viewed that as being against the spirit of Botho and respect.

He said they allowed Kgosi Pharithi to continue until he reached the mandatory retirement age.

Mr Pono Kelelo also added that Kgosi Malema was not representing or holding fort for anyone as the throne was hereditary and thus belonged to him.

Mr Pusompe Mothathego, a village elder, added that the Malema’s were the rightful owners of bogosi in Molalatau and confirmed its hereditary status.

Mr Mothathego’s sentiments were shared by Mr Philemon Modidima of Makhura ward who also agreed that Kgosi Malema must take his actual role. Kgosi Pharithi said the people had spoken and that their will must be respected, as none contested Kgosi Malema’s name for approval by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

For his part, Kgosi Mmirwa Malema explained that their bogosi was hereditary and was not subjected to votes.

Kgosi Malema accepted the nomination.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Joel said he would take Kgosi Malema’s name through the right procedures by passing it through to Bangwato regent, Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane who would submit it to the minister for approval.

Kgosi Joel appreciated morafe, saying they understood their bogosi lineage. ENDS