WHO WILL REPRESENT MAUN AT HOUSE OF CHIEFS?
Kgosi Ledimo and Kgosi Rapheya to battle it out in byelections next week
A RACE to replace late Reverend Kgosi Kegaisamang Ramokwena at Ntlo ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs) is on with three chiefs lined up for elections next week Tuesday in Maun.
Among those who are contesting the position are Kgosi Oleyo Ledimo, who is chief representative at Maun main kgotla; Kgosi Gothaang Timex Moalosi of Sankoyo settlement; and Kgosi Tatlhego Repheya of Disana ward in Maun.
All three have confirmed their interest in representing Maun region in Ntlo ya Dikgosi, a position which was left vacant in February this year after Ramokwena succumbed to complications caused by the deadly coronavirus.
Confirming his interest, Ledimo said, “Yes, it is true that I am contesting the seat and I believe I am a capable candidate and the right one for the job.”
Ledimo has already been a member of the house for two terms. “I went there first, the following term, 2009-2014, I was defeated by Ramokwena, the next term, 2014-2019, I defeated him. However, in 2019, when I was seeking to retain the seat, Ramokwena defeated me once again.”
For some time now, the race for this seat had always been between these two, with Ramokwena winning the recent ballot with a single vote; 35 votes to 34 votes for Ledimo.
At the time, Kgosi Gadibintshe Saudu of Tsanekona settlement and Kgosi Nkape of Moeti ward were in Ledimo’s camp, and in fact heading the campaign team. The two have now decamped to Ledimo’s opponent’s camp, Kgosi Repheya.
“Then they were against elections of headmen of arbitration to Ntlo ya Dikgosi, today they are saying something else, but I am saying every Motswana should be given a chance to try their luck in any position,” explained Ledimo.
Asked why he so much wants to return to Ntlo ya Dikgosi, which he has previously served for two terms, Ledimo said, “A lot still needs to be done in terms of advocacy for the rights of tribal leaders, including headmen of arbitration, who to date are not hired on permanent and pensionable basis. Ntlo ya Dikgosi’s role is to advise Parliament on matters relating to tribal and cultural policies among others. As you see, Maun Educational Park has been given back to Batawana, that is partly the effort of the house, which was pushing for it.”
But Repheya is said to be breathing hard on Ledimo’s neck and threatening to sway more votes as Ledimo’s previous campaign team are on his side.
In fact, Kgosi Saudu did confirm it, “Initially, I had wanted to contest, but I am in Repheya’s camp.”
Asked about his chances of winning, Repheya said he is the current chairperson of the regional headmen’s committee and it is the membership of this council that has actually nominated him to contest Ntlo ya Dikgosi.
“They are the electorates in this case, so if it is their will to send me to the house, then they will do so,” added Repheya. Another contestant, Moalosi, who has admitted to having failed in this race for the longest time, said he will keep trying his luck anyway. “I have been losing this race, first against Ledimo, then Ramokwena, and Ledimo won again, so, it has been like that, but I know I have the best interest of my region and fellow tribal leaders at heart, so I will still give it a shot,” he quipped.
All three candidates have common interest and top of their campaign agenda is pension of headsmen of arbitration and cultural matters.
Yes, it is true that I am contesting the seat and I believe I am a capable candidate and the right one for the job