Radipitse to intervene in Jamataka chieftainship dispute
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday July 30, 2014 11:07
Radipitse told Mmegi that he will visit Jamataka either at the end of this week or early next week when he returns from leave.
The bitter dispute culminated in a near fistfight over the weekend.
A misinterpretation of Bangwato Regent, Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane’s advice on what the royal family in Jamataka should do after it had emerged that the incumbent, Kgosi Gaebolae Goitseone could not read and write, was at the centre of the Saturday meeting quarrel.
At the meeting, an altercation ensued between members of the royal family. Some family members had insisted that they were never informed of a meeting that was to choose one of them to take over from Goitseone as per Kgamane’s advice.
The meeting ended with no resolution with voices raised, fingers pointing at alleged perpetrators, in a scene akin to a palaver between shoppers at a marketplace.
In response to an enquiry by Mmegi as to what they were going to do as the tribal leaders, Radipitse first noted that the quarrel arose from the misinterpretation of Kgamane’s counsel at his (Kgamane) meeting with Jamataka residents.
“I am going to address them (Jamataka residents and their royal family) to clarify Kgamane’s advice as it seems there is still confusion amongst them. I will be saying what he (Kgamane) had said and this will help those who did not understand him or those who were not present at that Kgotla meeting,” said Radipitse.
Kgamane was in Jamataka recently where he announced the upgrade of the Jamataka Kgotla, including being bestowed with a flag and staffed with police officers and secretary.
By law, the village Kgosi, who must be able to read and write, will preside over cases.
But Kgosi Goitseone is illiterate, and this development disadvantages him to carry on as the village Kgosi.
It, however, appears that he may resist being replaced, as during the Saturday meeting, he angrily accused relatives of wanting to topple him.
“Se tseyeng setilo sa lona ke se. Le ne le ntirile setshosa hela. A kere ga le sa tlhole le mpona ke tshwanetswe ke Bogosi? (Take the throne, as you no longer regard me as your Kgosi. I was a mere scarecrow),” Kgosi Goitseone said as he pushed his royal chair towards the audience who had attended the Kgotla meeting.
With such harsh words, confusion reigned among members of the royal family.
Some suggested that Goitseone continue as Kgosi as the literate officers will assist him. They gave examples of existing Dikgosi who are illiterate and doing their job. Others, however, insisted that Goitseone should be replaced.
Goitseone’s supporters argued that he was the rightful Kgosi and it would be an abomination for him to be replaced whilst he is still alive. They therefore insisted that he be allowed to continue as their Kgosi, regardless of what the law stipulates. Chaos erupted thereafter with harsh words being exchanged and some unceremoniously leaving the meeting.
Those who remained behind agreed to ensure that all royal family members attend the next meeting and conclude the matter.
Some were overheard pleading with Goitseone to set another date at which even elderly members of the royal family residing at cattle posts are present to thrash out the issue.
However, Goitseone who was still fuming and sitting a distance from his subjects stubbornly refused to join in saying they should do whatever they want because he unsuccessfully tried several times for all of the royal family to attend the meeting.
“Leave me alone. Just do whatever you want. Who am I to set the date? I tried so many times to reschedule meetings hoping they will come. I am now fed up,” Goitseone shouted back.
Later Goitseone told Mmegi that he rescheduled meetings about three times, even following up other relatives at the cattle posts, but they still failed to attend.
“I decided to announce to the village community that we failed to find a replacement because members of the royal family decided to boycott the meetings,” said an angry Goitseone.
Yesterday, Goitseone’s cousin and his current assistant, Mothusi Gasemotho told Mmegi that after things cooled down, the family agreed to reschedule another meeting for some time this week, this time with all royal family members present.