Contralesa warns politicians not to interfere in traditional leadership succession

The President of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena has warned politicians against interfering in traditional leadership succession.

Mokoena was among dignitaries, who attended the ceremony to hand over certificate of recognition to Chief Nyalala Pilane of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela in Moruleng, outside Rustenburg.

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi handed over the certificate to Pilane who is now officially recognised as the rightful traditional leader of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela.

The legal challenges and tensions over the traditional leadership of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela saw the ousting of Pilane few years ago, before he was reinstated last year.

Premier Mokgosi explains how they arrived at the decision to issue Pilane with a certificate of recognition.

“There was what was called the Baloyi Commission which after its recommendation the certificate was withdrawn and there was protracted court battle which ultimately came with a conclusion that set aside the matter. Upon our assessment and upon the judgment, we came to a conclusion that we must abide by the order to agree that Kgosi Nyalala Pilane is the rightful leader of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela and therefore the matter was closed.”

Meanwhile, a relieved Pilane, who is also the deputy president of Contralesa, believes that these developments will end the protracted dispute.

“According to us yes, because at least this has also been endorsed by the Supreme Court of Appeal. So, everybody who wants to challenge must now go beyond that. But so far within ourselves I think it’s the end of the whole dispute.” – Reporting by Thabiso Moss

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