05 Feb 2025

A task team comprising three dikgosi has been appointed on a fact-finding mission to resolve a dispute over bogosi in Rasesa.

Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa announced in a consultative kgotla meeting yesterday that the trio had been tasked to convene meetings, the purpose of which would be to establish the truth on who the rightful heir to bogosi in Rasesa was.

He said the three dikgosi would be working with tribal administration officials to consult, conduct interviews with the affected and disputed families, elders and morafe.

The trio are Barolong deputy chief, Kgosi Quinton Motshegare , Kgosi Malepa Orekeng of Ntlhantlhe and Kgosi Omphitlhetse Mogapi of Otse.

Mr Motshegwa said the findings would make recommendations that would inform the way forward.

“Their duty is primarily to gather information that will lead us to know who the rightful heir to this chieftainship is and they will not include their opinions in the report,” said Mr Motshegwa.

Mr Motshegwa who is also MP for Mmadinare said the role of the ministry was not to appoint or impose dikgosi to any tribe, and explained that dikgosi were born.

He said in the event that there was no rightful heir to bogosi or history of a village could not inform such, the tribe reserved the right to elect a representative.

He said the ministry was guided by Bogosi Act to advise on bogosi matters, without taking sides. The dispute dates back to 2015 when the vacancy fell vacant.

Mr Motshegwa said there had been complaints from residents about the kgosi who was appointed following the retirement of the one who was appointed back then.

This he said divided morafe to a point that the matter reached the ministry to intervene.

Mr Motshegwa appealed to residents to cooperate with the task team that was scheduled to start the assignment this week.

Member of Parliament for Kgatleng West, Dr Unity Dow said it was good that residents wanted to see the matter resolved and encouraged them to be forthcoming when dealing with the task team.

Residents too commended the minister for being responsive to their plea and appealed for fairness and truthfulness to prevail. ENDS