The Northern Cape Premier Dr. Zamani Saul and MEC Bentley Vass led the Northern Cape correction of status and elevation of traditional leaders event in Batlharos (Ga-segonyana Local Municipality) in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on Wednesday, 08 May 2024.
This historic event followed an earlier announcement by Premier Saul on 04 April 2024, that there is an urgent need for the re-recognition of the Traditional Leadership structure of governance that was distorted and undermined by the colonialism and apartheid systems of governance.
An in-depth consultation process followed the announcement of Premier Saul and the different royal councils were engaged by the government to provide further clarity and to seek input and acceptance of the proposed correction of status and elevation process.
Addressing the correction of status and elevation event held in Batlharos under the jurisdiction of Kgosi Pelonomi Toto, the Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Saul, said ‘’this Provincial Government cannot continue endorsing the policies and agendas of the colonial rulers that seeked to actively undermine the traditional leadership institution. We remain committed to working hand in hand with the traditional leadership, in order to ensure the betterment of the lives of the people of this province. This brave move is meant to correct a colonial injustice that distorted the hierarchy of our traditional institutions.’’
During the occassion Kgosi Pelonomi Toto; Kgosi Kgotlaemang Motshwarakgole; Kgosi Kgotlayame Surgeon Motshwarakgole of Batlhaping Ba Phuduhudu Boo Molehe, Kgosi Pule Shadrack Bareki Ba-ga Lotlhare, in Heuningvlei; and Kgosi Pelonomi Precious Toto of Ba-ga Motlhware Principal Community, were all elevated from their status of Senior Traditional Leaders (Dikgosi) to Principal Traditional Leaders (DiKgosikgolo).
The occasion also marked the elevation of thirteen (13) Headmen/women (DiKgosana) to Senior Traditional Leaders (Dikgosi).
The second phase of the elevation was hosted on 27 May 2024, in Manyeding (Joe Morolong Local Municipality) and also coincided with the official inauguration of Kgosi Tumo Dikare II Hastings Jantjie of the Batlhaping Ba-Ga Jantjie Traditional Community.
During the second phase, four (4) Senior Traditional Leaders of the Batlhaping ba ga Phuduhutswana namely the Ba ga Jantjie, Ba ga Phetlhu, Ba ga Mahura, and Ba ga Thaganyane will be elevated to the positions of Principal Traditional Leaders and a total of nine (9) headmen will be elevated to the positions of Senior Traditional Leaders.