15 Mar 2022

Boteti East MP Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe has implored residents of Mokubilo to draw a line between politics and chieftainship. 

Addressing a meeting on Friday March 11 in Mokubilo on bogosi impasse which took place recently in where resident failed to submit a name of the successor of Kgosi Badigeng Resetse, after the retirement of Kgosi Botshabelo Dijeng. 

Mr Lelatisitswe stated that he was disappointed with what transpired during the proceedings to fill the post of Kgosi Dijeng. 

He indicated that Kgosi Ewetsemang Retlhatloleng of Letlhakane was sent to preside over the appointment of the headman of record in Mokubilo, but residents failed to cooperate. 

The area MP noted that some of the people even wrote a protest letter before Kgosi Retlhatloleng could deliver the message on filing of the post.  Mr Lelatisitswe said that showed that there was animosity amongst residents could not draw the line between politics and chieftaincy Mr Lelatisitswe cautioned Kgosi Resetse against allowing politicians to stand on his way when discharging his duties. 

A chief he said was a unifier, and that his duty was to assist all members of society regardless of their political affiliation. 

He also noted that having a chief appointed through elections was not ideal, as that could hinder him/her from discharging duties in a fair manner, as one may be tempted to favour those who elected them. 

One of the Ms Betty Tsholetsa said the village elders perpetuated the feud in the village as they were also eyeing the post. 

Ms Tsholetsa said there was always arguments and insults over the bogosi issue amongst the residents, and called for the presence of law enforcement officers during the meetings. 

Mr Smart Shabani thanked Mr Lelatisitswe for coming to their rescue, and expressed concern that there was no consultation whenever decisions were taken. 

Others were of view that since Mokubilo had its first inhabitants, its bogosi should therefore had its rightful heirs. 

They proposed that they should be given the opportunity to fill the post. Ends