Stay Away From Politics - Mosielele Warns Dikgosi
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday September 23, 2019 12:07
Speaking during the BLLAHWU Annual Heritage Night over the weekend, Mosielele said there is a trend by some who use Bogosi to gain political mileage. Without mentioning names, Mosielele said some Dikgosi have put Bogosi into disrepute by being active in politics. He said this has put the integrity of Bogosi in bad light as the society is slowly losing trust on the system.
Some of Dikgosi who have in recent times taken leave from Bogosi and joined politics include former president Ian Khama of Bangwato, Kgosi Tawana Moremi of Batawana and Kgosi Lotlamoreng II of Barolong.
Mosielele stated that Dikgosi are considered community and nation builders, but if they become actively involved in politics they could lose the trust their people have in them.
Mosielele pointed out that some leaders had thought Bogosi would perish, but many people believe Dikgosi still have important roles to play in modern day democracy. He said Dikgosi are supposed to interlink its people with government through the Kgotla system not actively participate in politics.
“If you want peace for your people, don’t be involved in politics because that will divide your community. As a Kgosi, you should know your people support different political parties, so if you join politics, you will lose their trust.
There is a tendency by some Dikgosi to use Bogosi for political mileage because they know they enjoy the support of their tribesmen,” he said. To him, Bogosi is about ensuring that the people live proper lives but this could prove difficult if one is an active politician.
“Other politicians could use that against you and deny your people developments,” he added.
He called on government to take good care of Dikgosi as this would ensure they do not salivate for political office and benefits associated with such office.
“Di palameletse kwa sepolotiking. Dikgosi di tshwanetse tsa tisa kgalemo ga go nna le mathata kwa dikerekeng, metshamekong le sepolotiking. Dikgosi di tshwanetse go kgalema mapolotiki go dirisa mafoko a a maswe,” he said.