BAKGATLA-BA-KGAFELA in Moruleng, North West, are divided following disputes.
The confusion over who is the rightful chief is far from being over. The tribe celebrated Heritage Month through a three-day event over the weekend hosted by Chief Nyalala Pilane.
The purpose of the celebration was to affirm the existence of Bakgatla.
Chief Nyalala Pilane called for unity, emphasising that the royal family had the authority to appoint their chief.
The event started with a tribute to the ancestors of the Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela tribe by visiting their graves, followed by a memorial lecture on their history by Professor Freddy Khunou.
The main celebration was held on Saturday, 16 September, at Moruleng Stadium. Chief Pilane said government or any structure has no authority to appoint a chief.
He said the confusion over who is the rightful chief started when the government gave a relative a certificate of recognition.
"When we traced the family, they appear to be from Botswana. How can one lead a community in South Africa when they are not even from here? One can ask.
"Those claiming the chieftaincy are slowly coming to their senses because they can see where there is direction. We don't deny that we are relatives," he said.
Chief Ramono Pilane's Spokesman, Lebogang Phalafala, said in terms of chieftaincy of Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela customary law, which is that of Chief Kgafela Kgafela ii, who is the head of the family is the one who appoints the senior traditional leader of Bakgatla Ba Kgafela.
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He said the current senior Traditional leader is Kgosi Ramono Pilane, both in custom and in statute, as he is the one issued with the certificate of recognition by the government.
"We have no feelings regarding the celebration of anyone. We are only concerned that people shouldn't create wrongful impressions," he said.
He said they are patient with the law but are concerned that justice is delayed by the government for the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela.
"We will celebrate Heritage Day on Saturday, 23 September, at the Sefikile village community hall outside Moruleng.
North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokeswoman Dineo Thapelo confirmed that the rightful Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela chief is Ramono Linchwe, who was appointed in 2020.
