Villagers unhappy as Masogo takes over
Bonte Seepi | Tuesday February 16, 2016 15:41
When announcing Motshidisi’s replacement to the assistant chief of Bangwato tribe, Kgosi Serogola Seretse, on Friday, Olebile noted that the Palapye chieftaincy is not inherited. He said therefore they followed the Bogosi Act, which allows the village chief, and those close to him to select a name of someone they feel is suitable.
However, the decision made by Olebile and his advisors seemed to have saddened Palapye residents as the majority of them complained that they were not consulted.
At Masogo’s unveiling, Motty Potso said Olebile could have informed the villagers about the Bogosi Act that guided their choice. He said it was not fair for the people as they expected to vote the person of their choice during the meeting.
Potso also asked if there was no youth or a woman who could take the position, accusing Olebile of choosing a “grey hair”.
“I don’t have a problem with Masogo, but there is no way the villagers can be happy if our leadership continues filling this kgotla with pensioners whereas there are other people suitable for the position,” said Potso.
Alice George also shared the same sentiments, saying the people of Palapye were being belittled. He said they should have been consulted and could not allow the leadership to step on their toes.
Even though Seretse tried to explain to the residents that bogosi is different from politics, people continued complaining that they wanted to choose the replacement. Seretse told the meeting that those in leadership do not elect a kgosi like a politician, but chosen.
Another villager, Boenyana Malatsi, urged the leadership to always consult the villagers before they make any decision on issues of bogosi. He also said the youth and women should also be considered when there is such an opening.
Malatsi said the youth should be given a chance so that they can learn from their elders. Some of the villagers suggested another meeting where they could be allowed to select the name of their choice.
However, there were some people who welcomed Masogo with open hearts.
A specially elected councillor in Palapye, Gaethuse Morake said the right route had been followed and villagers should respect the decision.
He described Masogo as an educated person who is suitable for the post, adding that the replacement had been a public employee before and would be useful to the community. Another villager, Pelothomogi Ntebang, also urged people to respect the decision saying Palapye was a fast growing village and it would be hard for villagers to come up with the perfect name.
“The leadership has eased our job by using the Act and I call upon the new kgosi to focus on bringing the youth to order,” he said.
Serorome headman, Samuel Maforaga, urged the people of Palapye to refrain from “copying what other people are doing” by fighting for chieftainship.
He said the way Bogosi Act has been drafted, no one should be complaining about lack of consultation. Maforaga said the main reason for many people’s complaints is that they never attend kgotla meetings.
“It is so shameful that whenever someone is elected into being a chief in Palapye, some people complain. We should respect each other and everyone who is a kgosi,” said Maforaga.