Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, has refuted claims of having received any letters requesting his involvement in the Thamaga chieftainship conflict.
While Autlwetse previously stated that he wouldn't interfere in the conflict due to ongoing discussions, he asserts that his ministry has not been contacted through any letters seeking assistance on the matter. "None of us in the Ministry received any letter to that effect from Thamaga. Jaaka ke buile kgang e santse ele ya Bakgatla, gase yame," he clarified. Responding to a questionnaire from The Monitor about the two letters sent by the late Kgosi Gobuamang Gobuamang's daughters, who had requested his intervention, the minister denied being aware of any such correspondence. He emphasised that his decision not to intervene was not prompted by any letters, but rather his belief that the chieftainship discussions should be resolved within the Bakgatla community without external involvement. "Ga gona thuso epe ee kopilweng ko go nna. Ke kopa gore o amogele tlhaloso eo," he added.
Despite the minister's denial, The Monitor has obtained copies of the letters sent by the late Kgosi Gobuamang's daughters—Pinky, Bone, and Tebogo Gobuamang. These letters, sent on separate occasions, indicated that they sought Minister Autlwetse's assistance through the invocation of Section 22 (3) of the Bogosi Act, which empowers him to recognise a tribal leader chosen by the community. The second letter additionally addressed to the Attorney General, served as a statutory notice, warning of possible legal action if the minister did not intervene. In both letters, the sisters highlighted their concerns regarding the perceived bias of Moshupa chief, Kgosi Kgabosetso Mosielele II, who they believe has influenced the proceedings in favour of his own views rather than those of the community.
“In terms of the law, your office is empowered to not recognise any person as a Kgosana whose recognition by a Kgosi was without due consideration of the wishes and interests of the tribal territory or tribal area. There is no clearer case that warrants your intervention than this one,” read the letters.
They urged the minister to respect justice and fairness by conducting his own consultative meetings, addressing any doubts, and appointing a candidate who meets the community of Thamaga's preference, who they say without a doubt is Bone.
