Appointment of Tutume STA sparks protests

KEABETSWE NEWEL
Correspondent | Wednesday July 6, 2011 00:00

Selolwane was chosen for the position after the death of the former STA, Tshireletso Chinyolo, who was buried a fortnight ago. The Tutume Kgosi Jenamo Magapatona, eager to fill the vacancy, decided to present the names of two people whilst the other replaced the promoted Selolwane. In that case Selolwane was to be elevated whilst Tapson Madikwe was to take over  his (Selolwane's) post, which is the Headman of Records. When the names were presented to the community at the Kgotla, some people opposed the move.

Their main argument was that the Kgosi had failed to consult them before he chose the candidates. Since there was lack of agreement at the village, a letter sent to the Tribal Authority in Serowe seeking approval of the candidates was rejected, and the village authorities were asked to resolve 'any disputes and follow the right procedure'.

It was then that proper consultation was made back at the village Kgotla. The Serowe Tribal Authority and the Ministry of Local Government approved the request to appoint the two men on June 15, according to the letter faxed to the Tutume Kgotla from the Serowe Tribal Authority. On Monday Kgosi Magapatona of Tutume village officially announced the elevation of Selolwane from Headman of Records to the position of STA whilst Madikwe was appointed Headman of Records.

Speaking at the Kgotla, Magapatona stated that the controversies that arose when appointment were suggested, was nothing but a plot, by some community members who perceived themselves as the rightful candidates, to obstruct the proceedings.

'But I can tell you, Bogosi is not about how educated you are, it is about the blood that runs through one's veins.

No one can come here and claim to be a Kgosi just because they are educated. Never,' said Magapatona.

He said that for a long time he had led educated people because he was born to be a Kgosi and was not taught how to be one at school.

Addressing the newly appointed STA Selolwane, he told him that some people did not want him in the position.

'However, I have over 10 years been working as the Headman of Records, it is my hard work that is today earning me the promotion. I am the rightful man,' Selolwane declared.

He said that recently, some politicians in the village have been 'poking their noses' in matters and issues of Bogosi. Their actions, he said, were a plot to try to oust him so they could take over. He said that they used an excuse of working towards village developments to try to obstruct issues of Bogosi, since they were eyeing the top post.

Selolwane said that they were the same people who were against his appointment because they had applied for the position immediately after Chinyolo died. ' They wanted Bogosi but the problem is that they are not born to be in the chieftaincy,' he said. When contacted Tutume West Councillor Ishmael Mokgethi confirmed that some people were against the appointment of Selolwane and quickly said, ' but it has been sorted out, it is settled and everything is fine'. He however denied that it was a move by the 'politicians' to unseat Selolwane. He said that it was just some members of the community who felt they also deserved to occupy the position.

The people who were said to be against the Selolwane promotion were nowhere to be seen during the official appointment at the Kgotla. Attempts to get their comments were however unsuccessful.