22 Oct 2013

Kgosi Puso of Batlokwa has said bogosi is an important institution that has over the years united and built the nation by ensuring that democracy, peace and stability prevail.

Speaking at the installation of Kgosi Eric Moipolai of Matsiloje on October 19, Kgosi Puso said dikgosi continued to unite people through the promotion of consultation and freedom of expression as advocated for in the Setswana ideology, Mmualebe o bua la gagwe. He noted that although bogosi was sometimes soiled by the selfish motives of some individuals, people should respect the institution because it ensured a united nation prior to independence.

Kgosi Puso said with the level of education nowadays, there was need for dikgosi to be visionary leaders acquainted with legal instruments. He said nowadays people knew the law and that called on them to be vigilant and knowledgeable when trying cases.  He also stressed that it was imperative for dikgosi to familiarise themselves with youth and women issues.

He noted that the community was faced with challenges such as migration, increase in crime and divorces; and as a visionary leader, a kgosi must be in a position to lead and guide the morafe to come up with solutions to these problems. When enthroning Kgosi Moipolai, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng II of Barolong said while it was important for Kgosi Moipolai to heed advice, he should at the same time be mindful of what was important in uniting his morafe.

Kgosi Lotlaamoreng II said it was important to work in partnership with public servants and listen to their advice. Kgosi Moipolai was advised to serve his morafe diligently regardless of their economic class and cultural backgrounds. Kgosi Lotlamoreng II said as much as he expected his morafe to respect him, he should also respect them.

He also warned Kgosi Moipolai that even though he should work harmoniously with politicians, he should guard himself against getting involved in politics. Kgosi Maruje III of Masunga encouraged Kgosi Moipolai to respect his office and guard against its abuse. 

He implored him to always take into consideration the rights of women and children, especially when trying estate matters. For his part Kgosi Moipolai thanked Barolong of Matsiloje for honouring him and promised to take his new position seriously.

Kgosi Moipolai appealed to his morafe to unite and work with him. He informed the residents that the year 2016 marks an important historic event in the calendar of Matsiloje because the village will be turning 100 years. Giving the vote of thanks, Tati East MP, Mr Samson  Guma lamented the ailing economy which he said affected both the tribal and political leadership equally. ENDS