14 February 2006
A dispute involving the legitimacy of a chieftaincy in the Province has
resurfaced. The Batlhako Ba Matutu traditional community chieftaincy in
Mabeskraal near Rustenburg is in question.
The dispute surrounding the chieftaincy culminated in a court case brought
in 2001 by George Mokate Mabe and two others (the applicants). They contest
that the current chief of the traditional community is not the rightful
incumbent to the chieftainship.
The applicants further argue that George Mokate Mabe from the house of
Rangwane wa Kgosi should be appointed as chief of the community. The High Court
ruled in September 2004 that the Premier should appoint a Commission of Inquiry
to investigate the dispute surrounding the chieftaincy.
The North West Government has ensured the dispute around the chieftaincy is
addressed promptly. Judge Jam Khumalo has been appointed to lead the Khumalo
Commission of Inquiry appointed by Premier Edna Molewa to hear the contention
that the current chief Kgosi Mushi Ezekiel Mabe is not the rightful incumbent
to the chieftainship.
The Premier had initially referred this matter to the Commission on
Traditional Leadership and Disputes appointed by the President, also in
September 2004. The matter, however, had not begun by the middle of 2005.
Developments on this case prompted Premier Molewa to appoint the Khumalo
Commission of Inquiry to investigate the dispute. The Commission's sittings
will start on 20 February 2006, at 09h00 at the Mogwase Magistrate's Court.
The Commission is inviting members of the public with knowledge of Batlhako
ba Matutu chieftaincy lineage or family tree to give evidence at the Inquiry.
The invitation is also extended to professionals with relevant information such
as anthropologists, genealogists and experts in customary law and
succession.
The Commission is expected to conclude its investigations and submit
findings and recommendations to the Premier within a period of four months
after the assumption of its duties.
The public is invited to contact the Commission Secretary, Mr Mokgerwa
Makoti, with their information on (018) 387 4000 / 084 840 1396.
Enquiries:
Russel Mamabolo
Manager - Media Relations
Tel: (018) 387 3103
Cell: 082 900 6610
Cornelius Monama
Spokesperson
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
14 February 2006
