By Thabo Mosia
Thee Batlokwa Ba Bogatsu royal house officially enthroned Dr. Lesedi Gabriel Monageng Motsatsi as their new chief. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, at the Royal Kgotla in Tlokweng ya Kolontwane, Bojanala District, North West. It was a culturally rich occasion, attended by dignitaries from across the country, including former South African President Jacob Zuma, and traditional leaders such as Paramount Chief Kgosikgolo Puso Gaborone and Kgosi Manotshe Ramokoka.
The day not only celebrated the coronation of Dr. Motsatsi, a leader with strong academic credentials and deep cultural roots, but also became a platform for political discourse. Zuma’s presence was marked by a stirring call for unity, cultural reclamation, and the reassessment of South Africa’s post-apartheid democracy.
A Day of Cultural and Political Significance
The enthronement of Dr. Motsatsi was a historic occasion for the Batlokwa Ba Bogatsu people, a community with a rich history in the North West province. Traditional ceremonies, including prayers, music, and dance, paid homage to the cultural values of the Batlokwa, who have long upheld their Tswana traditions. Dressed in traditional regalia, members of the royal family and the community gathered to witness this important cultural milestone.
Dr. Motsatsi’s rise to the position of chief was seen as the continuation of a long lineage of leadership that has upheld the values of the Batlokwa people. His background as a scholar and advocate for rural development has further heightened expectations for his reign.
Former President Jacob Zuma’s Address: A Call for Sovereignty
The presence of Jacob Zuma, now the leader of the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, lent the occasion additional political weight. In his address to the attendees, Zuma spoke passionately about the role of traditional leaders in reclaiming South Africa’s sovereignty. He emphasized the need to restore the country’s cultural and legal systems by scrapping outdated Roman Dutch laws, which he described as vestiges of colonial rule.
“If we are free, why are we not allowed to make our own laws? Africa always had laws that were instruments to rule before the settlers came to the continent,” Zuma declared during his speech.
Zuma also took the opportunity to call for unity among Africans, urging progressive parties to collaborate for the betterment of their communities. He argued that black people in South Africa were “not completely free,” stressing the importance of solidarity and cooperation in the fight against inequality. Zuma’s call for unity was seen as an extension of his efforts to rally traditional leaders and African political movements around the idea of self-determination and cultural autonomy.
Views from Other Traditional Leaders
The event also featured comments from other notable traditional leaders who echoed Zuma’s sentiments. Kgosi Manotshe Ramokoka of the Bakgatla tribe reflected on the state of democracy in South Africa, urging leaders to assess whether the last 30 years of democratic governance have truly liberated the nation’s diverse cultures. Ramokoka’s remarks underscored the widespread concern among traditional leaders that the post-apartheid political landscape has often sidelined indigenous customs and leadership structures in favor of Westernized political models.
Paramount Chief Kgosikgolo Puso Gaborone, who presided over the enthronement, also emphasized the importance of traditional leadership in fostering community cohesion and addressing modern challenges, such as poverty and inequality, in rural areas.
Social Media Reactions
The enthronement of Dr. Motsatsi quickly became a trending topic on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Users from across South Africa weighed in on the cultural and political significance of the event. One user on X posted, “Today’s enthronement of Dr. Lesedi Motsatsi is a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of traditional leadership in modern South Africa,” while another wrote, “Zuma’s call to scrap Roman Dutch law and restore African legal traditions is long overdue. Our customs need to lead our future.”
Facebook users similarly engaged in lively discussions about the role of traditional leaders in contemporary South Africa. One commenter wrote, “It’s clear that figures like Dr. Motsatsi and Jacob Zuma are spearheading a movement to ensure that African values aren’t lost in the politics of the day,” while another reflected, “As we celebrate the enthronement of Dr. Motsatsi, we must also reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go in truly liberating our people.”
Zuma’s Relationship with Traditional Leadership
The relationship between Jacob Zuma and traditional leadership has long been a point of interest in South African politics. Chief Manotshi Raboka, a family representative at the event, emphasized that Zuma has always shown deep respect for traditional institutions. “It is a well-known fact that former President Zuma is a culturalist, he’s a traditionalist. He takes every opportunity presented to him to support and be seen associating with traditions,” Raboka said.
Raboka further explained that Zuma’s attendance at the event was more than just a political statement; it was also personal. “It happened that former president Zuma got hold of the invite and only to find out that President Zuma is related to the Batlokwa. He took the opportunity to come and celebrate this day,” Raboka added.
This connection between Zuma and the Batlokwa royal family highlights the former president’s continued influence in rural and traditional communities, even as he embarks on his political journey with the MK Party.
Dr. Lesedi Motsatsi’s Vision for the Future
As Dr. Motsatsi takes the reins of leadership, his vision for the future of the Batlokwa Ba Bogatsu community is one that balances tradition with modernity. Educated both in South Africa and internationally, Motsatsi has long been a proponent of rural development, with a particular focus on education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements.
In his first address as chief, Motsatsi outlined his priorities, including strengthening ties between traditional leadership and government institutions to better serve the people of Bojanala. He also emphasized the need for economic development through sustainable practices in agriculture and tourism, both of which are key sectors in the North West province.
“The future of our community lies in our ability to adapt to the modern world while never forgetting where we come from,” Motsatsi said during his speech.
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