Bahurutshe vs Bangwaketse
Friday, September 01, 2017
The Bangwaketse under Kgosi Malope II are against the plan to drape Kgosi of Bahurutshe Boo-Manyana with a leopard skin at tomorrow’s ceremony. They are adamant that doing such will be a direct challenge to the authority of Kgosi Malope II, who presides over the entire territory, including Manyana. Traditionally, draping of the Kgosi with a leopard skin demonstrates true existence and operation of customary laws that to some people have gone extinct.
When Mmegi team visited Manyana village Kgotla on Thursday, the villagers who were evidently excited of the event were busy with preparation for the Saturday event. The young and old could not cease to show their excitement over the draping of their Kgosi with the leopard skin. The women were singing and ululating while the men led the cattle to be slaughtered for the feast into the kraal.
While it is widely acknowledged that Khama holds the title of Kgosi, the government’s failure to properly gazette his recognition has raised serious concerns about adherence to legal procedures and the credibility of traditional leadership. (See a story elsewhere in this newspaper.) Recent court documents by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, shed light on the intricacies of Khama’s recognition process....