Opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Tonota branch has reported Kgosi Pogiso Sekoko of Tonota village to his superiors over his utterances recently at a BDP launch.
In a petition seen by this publication, UDC complains that, “at the recent BDP candidate launch that was held in Tonota, Mokobeng freedom square on August 25 and also attended by President Mokgweetsi Masisi .We were shocked by the utterances of Kgosi Sekoko in his welcome remarks,” reads part of the petition. The political formation says Kgosi Sekoko uttered the following words, “Ke kopa gore le le ma Domkgrag le tshwaragane gore ba bangwe ba ba reng ba bata puso ba e utwe e nkga jaaka anyanse.” Loosely translated as, “I beg you BDP members to be united ahead of the general elections so that others who want to wrestle power from you should not succeed in their efforts.”
The party argues that Kgosi Sekoko’s statement is biased, disrespectful, partisan, political and very offensive. “We do not expect such statements from a civil servant and a Kgosi for that matter. We trust that your office will reprimand Sekoko accordingly,” the party pointed out.
UDC Vice Chairperson for Tonota branch, Neo Sefume told The Patriot on Sunday that they are disappointed by Sekoko’s sentiments adding that as a tribal leader Sekoko should be a unifier instead of causing divisions in his tribe. Sefume said Dikgosi should desist from making political statements adding that Sekoko’s views clearly show that he is aligned to the ruling party. He explained that even after his speech some UDC activists approached Sekoko and informed him that they were not amused about his speech. “Sekoko then responded that he was referring to UDC parliamentary candidate for Tonota constituency, Pono Moathodi who will be against Thapelo Olopeng of the BDP at looming general elections,”Sefume further articulated. According to Sefume, it is still wrong for Sekoko to have uttered such words to Moathodi because the latter is the face of UDC and deserve to be treated fairly by the tribal leader. Sefume noted that they recently held an internal party meeting and most of the party activists were disappointed by the tribal leader’s views at a political gathering. Sefume stressed that they have since handed the petition to Kgosi Bokamoso Radipitse’s office for him to take action.
Kgosi Radipitse admitted that his office has received the petition from the UDC. “My Secretary has informed me that the petition has been submitted at my office, I am currently away on other official engagements and I will only attend to the petition when I return back the office on Monday,” reasoned the youthful tribal leader. Radipitse underscored that after reading the petition, he will then summon Sekoko to address the matter. He added, “If I cannot deal with the matter, I will refer it to my superiors in Serowe for them to take appropriate action. Radipitse stated that Dikgosi are governed by Dikgosi Act not the Public Service Act as many people assume. He buttressed that the institution of Bogosi should be respected by all as it plays a crucial role in building and preserving culture.
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