MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Msibi has presented the report of the Nhlapo Commission to the Bakgatla Ba Mocha Ba Maloka Chieftaincy. The report recommended the removal of the incumbent Senior Traditional Leader, Ntokolo Jistinas Maloka and the appointment of Mr Sello Makgatlo Harries Maloka.
Mr Msibi says the recommendations contained in the report are based on the investigation conducted by the Commission to determine the rightful Senior Traditional Leader. “The investigation by the Commission was conducted in accordance with the Traditional Leadership Framework Act. All
parties cited in the dispute were afforded an opportunity to state their cases orally and in writing and the information was used by the Commission to make the final determination, of which the replacement of the incumbent, is the outcome,” Mr Msibi explained.
The report was presented to the delegations led by the incumbent and his successor respectively. Mr Msibi urged Mr Maloka to accept the outcome of the report, but further informed him about his rights to approach a court of law for a review. “Our responsibility as a Provincial Government is to communicate the outcome of the report. However, any decision of litigation against the report, is within your rights, and if you decide to do so, it is incumbent upon you to inform the Department accordingly,” Mr Msibi said.
Mr Msibi expressed concern about cases of disputes within the members of royal families in Mpumalanga. He says such disputes are a source of instability in the affected Chieftaincies and obstruct development initiatives within the areas of their jurisdiction. He appealed to the recommended successor, Mr Sello Makgatlo Harries Maloka to work towards the unity of all members of the royal family and for the development of the local community in Pankop, in the Dr JS Moroka Municipality. He further advised the Inner Royal Family to hold its formal meeting to initiate the process of recognition of Mr Sello Harries Maloka as the Senior Traditional Leader of the Bakgatla Ba Mocha Ba Maloka as was recommended by the Commission and accordingly considered by the Honourable Premier, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa
Contact details: 013 766 6572 / 083 302 2774