A group of persons affiliated to the Magoshi Swaranang Movement in Limpopo is anticipated to march to the Office of the Premier tomorrow (Friday) to demand the head of Malesela Dikgale, who they allege is not the right person for the Dikgale kingship.
This follows a High Court Ruling last Wednesday in favour of Dikgale, Chairperson of the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders.
The same judgement was handed down last November but the group led by Margaret Dikgale, declared that the war is far from over. She is the mother of Randi Dikgale who is claimed to be the right person for the position.
Spokesperson of the movement, Phauwe Mphahlele stated that Premier Stan Mathabatha denies rightful heirs an opportunity to lead by appointing his comrades in their positions. He went on to claim that after several investigative commissions on the Dikgale kingship the community was still denied detailed reports by the Office of the Premier.
“They only provide two pages of recommendations, not the investigation outcomes. We are currently looking for funds to challenge the judgement at the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa. We are happy that we lost the case in the Limpopo High Court because the judges are friends with Mathabatha and Dikgale so there is no way they can rule against them,” Mphahlele alleged.
Mphahlele further claimed that the Molapo Communal Property Association had claimed a piece of land in Ga-Molapo village adjacent to Ga-Dikgale village but Dikgale wants a piece of it as he claims that he wants to build a shopping mall. He further indicated that their intended march will not only focus on the Dikgale kingship but on other matters that include VBS Mutual Bank saga, title deeds and the
Sekgopo kingship crisis as well.
On the issue of VBS Mutual Bank he indicated that although many people lost their jobs Mathabatha did not take action against those who stole the money but rather gave them promotions.
Premier’s spokesperson Kenny Mathivha emphasised that traditional leaders are not appointed by Mathabatha but the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) guided by the recommendations from the royal family. He further said the Premier just signs certificates once the legal processes by Coghsta and the royal family are completed. He concluded by saying communities that are not happy with such decisions should approach the courts of law.
When contacted for comment, Malesela indicated that he was at a loss for words and that he was not aware of the allegations that his position came as a political favour. He added that the group could perhaps get answers from Mathabatha.
In conclusion Malesela said: “They should go to court for help” and confirmed his recent Limpopo High Court appearance and that the court had ruled in his favour.
About 100 people are expected to march from the Jack Botes Hall to the Office of the Premier from 11:00 and disperse peaceful around lunch time.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
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