Government Rejects Bakgalagadi Recognition Appeal
Monday, June 13, 2016
Information before The Monitor reveals that a group of Bakgalagadi recently met with the minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Slumber Tsogwane to negotiate for recognition. The minister, who confirmed the visit, rejected their appeal on the basis that they had not convinced the people they were representing. Tsogwane told The Monitor that he sent the group back with the message that they should organise themselves first.
“I suggest you speak to them, I do not want to speak more on the issue as it is still in its infancy,” he said.
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....