The disputes regarding succession in the traditional leadership (Bogosi) of the Barolong Boo Seleka has troubled the Barolong over many generations. When the Free State Provincial Government became aware of the disputes, it mandated the then Department of Local Government and Housing to try and resolve the dispute. After years of engaging with different stakeholders to try and reach a settlement on the issue, the Department had not reached a solution.
Under the leadership of Hon. Premier Ace Magashule, the Free State Provincial Government then ultimately referred the dispute to the Commission on Traditional Leadership, Disputes and Claims for further processing. The Hon. Premier received the report in April 2016, and began an extensive process of stakeholder engagement. The Free State Executive Council (EXCO) further established a Task Team, led by the MEC responsible for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Hon. Sisi Ntombela and the Director-General of the Free State, Mr. Kopung Ralikontsane, which was tasked to deal with all processes, leading to the release of the report to all affected parties.
On Friday, 10th November 2017, the Director-General convened meetings with deferent delegations, sent from the royal family of the Barolong Boo Seleka, and tabled the report, its findings and recommendations to them. The Director-General emphasized that the Free State Provincial Government has always been interested in finding a solution to the matter, and that it accepted the outcomes of the report.
The Report found, amongst others, that Chief Moroka II’s “identification of Tshipinare as his successor was contrary to the tradition and cultures of Barolong Boo Seleka”. The Report then subsequently recommended that the “Royal family identify a suitable candidate from the House of Richard Maramantshi as being the most appropriate save for the Houses of Setilo and or Moipolai, which are still based in Botswana”. The current Acting Senior Traditional Leader, Mr. Moutloatsi Setlogelo, shall remain in his position until all administrative issues have been finalised.
“The Provincial Government wishes the Barolong Boo Seleka peace, unity and tranquility during this transitional process. We shall support and assist the Barolong Boo Seleka to facilitate a successful transition”, the Director-General, Mr. Ralikontsane said.
Mr Tiisetso Makhele
E-mail: tiisetso.makhele@fspremier.gov.za / makhelets@live.com
Tel: 051 405 5799
Cell: 076 833 0033
