IT has been a lengthy dispute over the traditional leadership of Bakgatla ba Kgafela. Residents have since welcomed reports that Kgosi Nyalala John Pilane has been reinstated as the chief. Following a letter from the Office of the Premier, it stated the immediate withdrawal of the chieftaincy certificate from Ramono Pilane Linchwe effectively reversing the previous decision. The North West High Court, Mafikeng, had previously dealt with a review application related to the matter, which involved the Premier’s decision to appoint a commission of inquiry into traditional leadership dispute. Community member Tshepo Pitsi said they are happy about the premier’s decision. He said the disputes held back community development. Tshepo said Kgosi Nyalala will protect the Bakgatla ba Kgafela resources and uplift his communities. Another resident who wanted to remain anonymous said the royal family knows who the right chief is, and the disputes are only about the Bakgatla ba Kgafela wealth. He said this is not a political matter. Ramono Pilane spokesperson Letlotsa Phalafala said that Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has chosen to meddle in a matter that was settled by both customary law and the courts. The premier’s attempts to impose Nyalala Pilane on a community that has decisively rejected him are illegal, destabilizing, and entirely self-serving. Phalafala said no reasonable Premier would act in such a manner. To disregard centuries of tradition and the clear dictates of the law. Its not just politically irresponsible, it is a betrayal of the public trust. Ultimately, Premier Mokgosi has positioned himself not as a leader working for the people of Bakgatla ba Kgafela, but as an accessory to a political crime that could destabilize an already fragile community. His actions are an insult to both the Constitution and the people he has sworn to serve. “Premier Mokgosi has chosen to ignore both the letter of the law and centuries-old tradition, throwing the Bakgatla ba Kgafela (BBK) tribe into turmoil. Fortunately for the Bakgatla ba Kgafela tribe, the history and custom of BBK is well documented and understood clearly by all tribesmen. The only people who question its legitimacy are those who seek to stick their dirty hand in the pot of BBK wealth,” he said. Didintle Pilane from Bakgatla ba Kgafela communication office said following the reports, arrangements are been made for the royal family to meet with the premier in the upcoming days. She confirmed that an update will be given following the meeting.
Office of the Premier had not responded to our enquiry by the time of publishing. An update will be made following their response.
About The Author
