There is light at the end of the tunnel for Bakubung Boo Ratheo

In what could be described as a much awaited progressive meeting between the Bakubung ba Ratheo community of Ledig and the North West Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, finally agreed on a way forward to finding a lasting solution to the concerns which yielded unrests. Residents were disputing the chieftainship; there were allegations of the misappropriation of community assets as well as lack of stability within the traditional council of the platinum rich community.

The MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Honourable, Thamsanqa China Dodovu visited the area over the weekend to engage the Royal family and the community as a follow-up to a series of consultative meetings held before. He (MEC) announced to the community the much accepted news that Solomon Mphuphuthe Monnakgotla is the recognised legitimate Kgosi of Bakubung boo Ratheo.

The Royal family also reached an agreement to elect Princess Margaret Monnakgotla to assist Kgosi Solomon Monnakgotla due to his ill health. “I will be compiling a comprehensive report about today’s deliberations for the attention of the Premier and ensure that the processes of officially recognising Solomon Monnakgotla as Kgosi of Bakubung Boo Ratheo and Margret Monnakgotla as the acting chief are sped up”, MEC Dodovu said.

This announcement came at a time where stability within the community is of great priority as arrangements are underway for the reconstitution of Traditional Councils in the entire Province.

MEC Dodovu expressed his excitement that the prevailing unity amongst the royal family and the understanding of the community is a positive step in the right direction. “I’m happy about the unity that is prevailing as factions which were pulling in conflicting directions, derailed progress in speeding up conflict resolution and ensuring proper governance of the Bakubung Traditional Council”, Dodovu said.

MEC Dodovu further said that the conflict in the Bakubung is delaying progress in addressing socio-economic matters in the area. He said “The Bakubung should be concentrating in developing the area, up skilling the youth, creating employment opportunities and assisting government in bringing other services to the community”.

On the appointment of the administrator, MEC Dodovu said the Provincial Government was unable to appoint the recommended administrator due to certain demands which could not be met. “Engagements are still continuing but I commit to work closely with the Royal Family to realise the appointment of the administrator as soon as possible to assist with investigations and to implement recommendations made on previous audit reports so that we bring those found responsible in the mismanagement of assets and funds to book ” Dodovu said.

The administrator will run the council for a period of six months while reporting to the MEC on a monthly basis. Reports will be looked into and assessment in the tribal administration made. If satisfactory the Bakubung will be allowed space to run their own affairs.

Dodovu rejected accusations levelled against some government officials as having interest in the affairs of Bakubung. “Such accusations are unfounded and devoid of the truth as it is in the best interest of the government to ensure stability and governance in all our traditional administrative matters across the province’’ he said.

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