The traditional community of Barolong Boo Modiboa at Matlwang village near Potchefstroom in the North West is accusing the provincial House of Traditional Leaders of failing to recognise their Chieftainship.
Kgosi Leshaoke Ntshinogang says they have been engaging the provincial government since 1996 to recognise their traditional leader, but nothing has changed.
Matlwang village was established in 1800, on about 17 000 hectares of land. It is located along the N12 between Potchefstroom and Stillfontein.
During the apartheid era, most residents were forcefully removed and resettled elsewhere. However, their land was restored in 1996, through the land restitution process.
Earlier settlements in this area are still evident. Five graves of the Ntshinogang family, including that of their late kgosi, are still visible.
But the community is puzzled as to why they have not been formally recognized.
“I do blame office of traditional affairs. I think if our matter can be resolved, it will only be resolved by the office of the premier. Traditional affairs, I do not have any trust in them because they failed us in the past, even today they still failing us.”
Residents are threatening not to vote if government does not recognise their chieftaincy.
“As Mr Ntshinogang has decided to come back home, let him be the Chief so that we can get developments in Matlwang,” says one resident.
“We have been fighting for this place, but they are not helping us. If they can grand us recognition, we will vote,” says another.
The Barolong Boo Modiboa Tribal Authority is expected to meet with a delegation from the office of the premier later on Wednesday
