24 Jun 2026

Kgosi Winnier Sebedi II of Mogapinyana has expressed concern regarding the alarming issues of child neglect coupled with widespread alcohol abuse among some young mothers in the village.

She highlighted the concern during a kgotla meeting addressed by the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditions, Mr Ignatius Moswaane, noting that the situation was distressing as many children in the village were left vulnerable due to their mothers’ behaviour.

Some children, she said were not receiving proper care, adequate nutrition and a safe environment.

Kgosi Sebedi II stated that negligence had not only jeopardised the immediate welfare of the affected children, but also posed long-term risks to their growth, health, development and well-being.

Furthermore, the village chief said there was a troubling pattern where young mothers frequently spent extended periods at local drinking establishments and social events, often leaving their young children unattended, and in many cases, those mothers depend on elderly relatives or neighbours without adequate support.

“This is a pressing social challenge,” Kgosi Sebedi II remarked highlighting that collaborative intervention from various stakeholders, including social workers, law enforcement, parents, and community members was key.

Kgosi Sebedi II also expressed a serious concern about the high rate of alcohol abuse within the village saying it did not only impact the well-being of young mothers and their ability to provide adequate care for their children but also contributed to other societal problems such as domestic disputes, prevalence of poverty and repeated pregnancies creating a cycle of hardship that affects not only the individuals involved but the community at large.

She further raised a concern regarding some of the recurring internal disputes related to issues that continuously impacted the village chieftaincy matters.  She explained that these conflicts had a detrimental effect on the smooth transition of leadership within the chieftaincy.

“The fallout from these disputes extends beyond the families directly involved but they also affect the broader community by damaging the village’s reputation,” she said, highlighting the importance of resolving these issues to ensure that the integrity of the chieftaincy was upheld and that the village could maintain its dignity and stability during leadership changes. ENDS