Illiteracy knocks out Jamataka chief

Pini Bothoko | Thursday July 10, 2014 14:46

So when Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane, the Bangwato regent was in Jamataka, he was made aware of Goitseone’s deficiencies. Kgamane declared that the villagers, who are predominantly Basarwa, would have to choose someone else for the position.

Confusion reigned supreme at the Kgotla as murmuring residents tried to protest the announcement. In response, Kgamane said Jamataka residents have long pleaded for their Kgotla to be upgraded from arbitration to records.

He said they were lucky that government listened to their request especially during times like this when the country is still recovering from the recession.

“Your Kgotla will soon have a flag, police officers and a court clerk. Your headman of records will be given the right and position to preside over cases and charge those who have breached the law. I know these are the most important developments you have been looking for in this village,” said Kgamane.

He pleaded with residents to try not to usurp the chieftainship from the royal family since it is a birth-right.

During comments and questions time, residents pleaded with Kgamane to give time to the royal family to look into the issue and see who can replace Goitseone. There was a unanimous agreement that the chieftainship belonged to the Goitseones and they should be given time to choose who to take over.

A resident, Tobokani Orateng told Kgamane that Gaebolae Goitseone was their Kgosi by birth, and if he is not capable, they need time to discuss the matter.

“We do not want conflicts of chieftainship in our village. Give them enough time to look into this issue and so that they can select the right person,” he said.

Kgamane responded that by extending the deadline for feedback from seven days to two and a half weeks all relatives can gather to discuss the issue and make a decision. He pleaded with the people to give the royal family time to discuss the issue.

“Do not interfere in this issue. I know that some people who are far from royalty might want to be elected. But please this is an issue for the royal family alone,” he appealed.

Tonota Senior Tribal Authority, Ramosinyi Radipitse pleaded with residents to leave the issue to the royal family to avoid conflict and delays. He said that he knew they have long pleaded with government to upgrade their Kgotla and they should not fight for the chieftainship. “I know that Goitseone here has relatives and one family member can be elected to take over.

Even if you have older children, either a boy or girl, they can take over,” said Radipitse.

It is understood that Goitseone has a 26-year-old first-born son who is studying nursing.

Currently, he is reported to be on attachment at a clinic in Francistown. The chief has a 24-year-old daughter who stays in Jamataka.