of the Chieftaincy of Batlhaku Ba Matutu
24 October 2006
I am pleased to announce that I have received a report and recommendations
from the Commission set up to resolve the question of the Chieftaincy of Bogosi
Ba Batlhaku Ba Matutu.
The Commission, headed by retired Judge Joshua Khumalo and assisted by two
Commissioners, Professor Maithufi and Advocate Baloyi, started its work in
February 2006 and was originally set to take up to four months in its work. It
was subsequently extended to finish in August, with the report and
recommendations submitted on 29 August 2006.
The terms of reference for the Commission were to firstly determine whether
Kgosi Mushi Ezekiel Mabe was the natural offspring of Kgosi Ntsatsi Amos Mabe
and whether he was therefore the rightful incumbent to the Chieftaincy of the
Batlhaku Ba Matutu traditional community as provided by their laws and
customs.
The Commission found, among other things and primarily, that indeed Kgosi
Mushi Ezekiel Mabe is the natural offspring of Kgosi Ntsatsi Amos Mabe and
therefore also the rightful heir to the Bogosi Ba Batlhaku Ba Matutu.
The Commission then recommended that Kgosi Mushi Ezekiel Mabe continues as
Chief of the Batlhaku Ba Matutu and that the Senior Leadership of the Royal
House, the Khuduthamaga of the Batlhaku Ba Matutu remain inclusive of the Mabe,
Molotsi and Motsisi houses of the Batlhaku Ba Matutu.
It was further recommended by the Commission that:
* the present Khuduthamaga be reconstituted so as to include senior
Rangwanes who are presently left out. This would include George Mokate Mabe and
Khumo Mabe. Nephews should play a minor role. The possibility of including
women on this body should be considered. This should be undertaken under the
supervision of the Office of the Premier
* the Mabe biological tree should be amended to include Khumo Constance Mabe
and all Kgosi Ntsatsi's children
* Khumo Constance Mabe be recognised as Ramokata's daughter and as the most
senior Rakgadi of the Bogosi and that she be consulted in all matters affecting
Bogosi
* the Batlhaku Ba Matutu be encouraged and assisted to bring their laws and
customs in line with the Constitution
* the agreement signed by the senior members of Royal House be considered as
part of an effort to resolve any differences.
I wish to thank members of the Commission for having discharged this
important and difficult task with such dedication and commitment. I am also
pleased that all parties to the dispute have amicably resolved this dispute
through this Commission.
In particular, I would like to thank Judge Joshua Khumalo, Professor
Maithufi and Advocate Baloyi for the outstanding work they have done and wish
them well in their endeavours.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: North West Provincial Government
24 October 2006
