Bangwato royals fight all powerful subject
Mompati Tlhankane | Monday April 4, 2022 10:10
Khama and his uncles accuse Autlwetse of failing to act as a neutral arbiter in the failed reconciliation talks between Khama and his successor, President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Autlwetse on the other hand has since given a stern warning to Bangwato regent Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane.
He has instructed Kgamane to never convene a kgotla meeting at the Serowe Kgotla or at any other Kgotla, to discuss debate or deal with any matter pertaining to, or which involves Khama and any of his family members.
He also ordered Kgamane to never take instructions or directions of whatever nature, or agree to implement such, as issued by Khama. Autlwetse accused Kgamane of convening a meeting at the Serowe Kgotla on March 19, 2022 whose subject matter and/or agenda no way relevant to the functions of Dikgosi as stated under the Bogosi Act.
“It was indicated to me that you alleged that you had been directed by Khama to call a kgotla meeting in Serowe on March 19, 2022 to inform the residents that his (Khama’s) siblings have been arrested. You had not consulted me nor had you asked for permission from me to convene a kgotla meeting on a purely private matter of routine arrest of citizens. I had directed you through the relevant Government Officials not to convene such meeting and to abandon it, all in vain. It was not the first time that a meeting whose agenda is outside the purpose and function of a kgotla was called at the Serowe Kgotla,” Autlwetse wrote.
Autlwetse also directed Kgamane to exercise and perform to the exclusion of all other persons, the functions of the Kgosi and to never cede or delegate his functions as Kgosi to any other person or authority. He further warned Kgamane that if he fails to comply with and abide by the directions this will immediately render him liable for necessary action.
Vexed by this stern warning to Kgamane, Khama who is in exile in South Africa reminded Autlwetse that despite the latter’s position as a minister he (Autlwetse) is still his subject.
He said it is his duty as Bangwato Kgosi to remind Autlwetse that even as Minister he is his subject and has no business or right to interfere in his dealings with Bangwato. A subject is one that is placed under authority or control, one who lives in the territory of, enjoys the protection of, and owes allegiance to a sovereign power or State.
“If I needed his view or opinion on any such matter I would let him know. I have so far not needed any. Even as I am aware of the minimum authority of Autlwetse as Minister responsible for Bogosi, I must state from the onset that the tone and contents of his letter to Kgosi Kgamane violate section 25 of Bogosi Act as it clearly undermines my authority as Paramount Chief of Bangwato and by extension that of the tribe. Further, I cannot ignore the fact that in this particular matter, Autlwetse is heavily conflicted and cannot be a neutral arbiter,” read Khama’s statement.
Although Autlwetse has cautioned Kgamane, Khama chose to give Autlwetse his own warning.
“I must also warn Autlwetse that by disrespecting Kgosi Kgamane and myself through Kgosi Kgamane he is fanning the flames of tribal conflict as many Bangwato have asked me to call Autlwetse to order, as I hereby do”, he said.
Khama added that in terms of Bangwato Tribal Affairs Autlwetse is junior even to Kgosi Kgamane as Regent of Bangwato. He said it is abominable and downright rude for Autlwetse to ever think he can call Kgosi Kgamane to order for respecting and implementing his (Khama’s) instructions.
The former president further warned Autlwetse to stay out of the affairs of his Kgotla and Gammangwato in general for his own good.
“What he has done is an act of indiscipline, insubordination and gross disrespect as he is attempting to strip me of my status as Kgosi Kgolo. I call on Bangwato to disregard the contents of his letter and to continue to freely attend any kgotla meetings in Ga Mmangwato”.
Khama said he has since requested his uncles in his absence to urgently call Bangwato to a kgotla meeting today. He said the purpose of the meeting is to consult his tribe further on what he has recommended to Morafhe for a way forward in trying to deal with his differences with Masisi following the latter’s dishonouring of an undertaking to grant my uncles an audience.
Even though Khama has issued his own warning to Autlwetse, if Kgamane goes on to convene a meeting at Serowe Kgotla at the instruction of Khama as Kgosikgolo, Kgamane is likely to attract a disciplinary action from the minister.
According to the Bogosi Act, a Kgosi can only be removed if the Minister in this case Autlwetse has reasonable cause to believe that the Kgosi of any tribe is incapable of exercising his or her powers.
According to the Act, Autlwetse on top of removing Kgamane as a regent he can also remove Kgama from bogosi if he has reasonable cause to believe that Khama has abused his powers or is being insubordinate or is refusing or has refused to carry out lawful orders.
Autlwetse can also dethrone Khama if he believes the latter is for any reason not a fit and proper person to be a Kgosi. Furthermore, according to the Act the Minister shall make such enquiry as he may consider appropriate and shall afford the Kgosi an opportunity to be heard.
Moreover according to the Act, the minister may issue directions in writing to any Kgosi, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Bogosi Act, for the better carrying out of the provisions of this Act.
“Any Kgosi who without good cause fails to comply with any directions given to him or her by the Minister shall be liable to be reprimanded, suspended, stoppage of increment of salary or deposed in accordance with the provisions of section 13.”
The Act further specifies that any person who is dissatisfied with the decision of the Minister deposing or suspending him or her as Kgosi may appeal in writing to the President against the decision within two months of the giving of the decision.
Similar situations unfolded in the past when Kgosi Seepapitso of the Bangwaketse was dethroned by the late Chapson Butale, then Local Government Minister and Kgafela Kgafela of Bakgatla was derecognised by goverment.
In terms of recognition, the Act stipulates that Autlwetse may, by notice published in the Gazette, at any time, withdraw recognition from a Kgosi if the Kgosi has been deposed and his or her appeal against the deposition has been dismissed or the period allowed for appealing has elapsed without an appeal having been brought.