Appointment of new Kgosi settles dust at Jamataka
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday October 8, 2014 16:25
Mosalagae Galebonwe 26, (the son of Goitseone) was fingered by fellow members of the royal family to replace his father following government’s upgrading of the village Kgotla from Arbitration to Records early this year.
The development came with a condition that the Kgosi should be literate enough to read and write. Goitseone, who had anticipated a salaried position after years of working on a voluntary basis, failed to satisfy the condition because he does not knows how to read and write.
A replacement had to be sought, and following acrimonious meetings, characterised by walkouts and threats of violence, the royal family settled for Galebonwe. In an interview with Mmegi, Galebonwe, who holds an Advanced Diploma in IT from the Gaborone Institute of Professional Studies (GIPS), confirmed being approached by family elders to replace his father. “I received a phone call recently with elders summoning me to the village where they pleaded with me to replace my illiterate father as their Kgosi,” he said.
“Even though I have just graduated and have been searching for jobs here in Gaborone, I ended up agreeing after listening to their request.”
He said that his name has been submitted to the office of Regent Sediegeng Kgamane, who is to give the final thumbs up for the installation to proceed.
Asked if he thought he would be able to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of Kgosi, Galebonwe confidently said that with the support of his father and village elders he foresaw no problem. “I grew up watching my father doing his duties as a Kgosi even though I never thought I would ever be elected. I however, will follow his footsteps and be a good leader, “ said Galebonwe. For months, chaos has rocked the village and its blue bloods, with various members holding divergent views on who should replace Goitseone. Matters came to a head recently, when members of the royal family nearly became physical at the Kgotla. Tonota Subordinate Tribal Authority, Ramosinyi Radipitse was called to intervene in the matter and he finally convinced Jamataka royals to elect a literate person from amongst them.
Reached for comment, Kgamane confirmed receiving the youthful leader’s name and said he had forwarded it for approval to the Minister of Local Government. “Yes, finally I have received the name of someone who is literate. I am waiting for a response from the minister and soon he will be appointed as the village Kgosi,” he said.