06 Feb 2014

A consultation meeting with residents of Kachikau in the Chobe district on chieftainship issue turned into a dramatic outburst of emotions and accusations.

Residents accused their tribal leader, Kgosi Mmmualefhe Mmualefhe of not treating them equally and disregarding their advices.

They complained of his leadership style, saying he failed to consult them on the resignation of his deputy, Kgosi Kehentse Ntsosang. Tempers flared during a meeting convened by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Peter Siele to consult residents on the issue of recognition of Bayei tribe.

It surfaced during the meeting that as of January 31, 2014 Kgosi Mmualefhe’s deputy would be serving his last day in office.  One resident, Mr Darkie Sethare said, Ga re robale, ga re robatswe ke bogosi jwa motse ono. He alleged that Kgosi Ntsosang had been forced to serve notice and resign under mysterious circumstances.

 “As we speak, today is his last day in office. He has been serving his notice but we were never told why,” said Mr Sethare. He further accused Kgosi Mmualefhe for having dissolved the Village Development Committee (VDC) that was voted in by the residents.

Mr Sethare noted that due to strained relationship between the residents and their leader, Kgotla meetings convened in the village attract low turn-out. Mr Muhinda Good said residents have been threatened with eviction from the village and also confirmed that the VDC had been dissolved and Kgosi Mmualefhe had voted in new people whom he wanted in the committee.

Another resident, Mr Francis Maome alleged that Kgosi Mmualefhe dissolved the VDC because he owed it rental money. However, another resident, Mr Bondo Mologasele defended Kgosi  Mmualefhe saying he relieved his deputy, Mr Ntsosang of his duties to pave way for a royal member from the Kgosi’s family.

In response, the minister emphasised that no one is above the law and no one has the right to dismiss anyone from duty without consultation with the people and the Minister concerned. He advised them to lodge their grievances with the District Commissioner’s office.

When Kgosi Mmualefhe tried to respond to accusations leveled against him, Minister Siele intervened and said he would respond on his behalf. Ends