Dear editor
For some years now, I have been disturbed by pronouncements made by Kgosi Seepapitso IV of Bangwaketse.
Most of us have been keeping quiet in the belief that our elders would take issue with him for his behavior.
I will, however, concern myself with bad behavior meted out to the people of Moshupa by Kgosi Seepapitso.
In the late 90s, there would be a murmur of disapproval after greeting Bakgatla at the Moshupa kgotla by saying, “Dumelang Bangwaketse betsho.” At the end of his speech he said that anyone in the Ngwaketse land is a Mongwaketse. What gut? Now, I am a proud Mokgatla and Motswana and I take strong exception to being called anything else.
His most recent remark at the Moshupa kgotla that he was not consulted when Moshupa was upgraded to Sub-district status is misplaced, moo ke bohatlha. I believe I speak for most in Moshupa when I say we were not consulted either, but we welcome the development, as it is one of such developments we always wanted. Kgosi’s input on these matters is not required.
There are better-placed individuals to be consulted, such as Moshupa’s MP, who reports to the electorate in Moshupa.
In his book, “Very brave or very foolish, Memoirs of an African Democrat”, former president Masire posits that very early on, he was “concerned about eliminating the autocratic rule of the chiefs without tampering with their ceremonial role.” This is what has been done; therefore, the kgosi must stop seeking inclusion on matters he has no business in.
Kgosi Seepapitso must know and understand that his role is mainly ceremonial now.
My commitment to Moshupa means that I would guard its integrity jealously.
