October 30, 2020, marked a silver jubilee milestone and an end to Kgosi Bapalele Alfred Dihutso’s tenure in office as Mogoditshane Customary Court President.
It would have been a normal handover event like any other, but to highlight its significance, senior government officials, chiefs, civic leaders together with the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development, Tumiso Rakgare, attended the colourful event to honour Kgosi Dihutso for his illustrious career and service.
Minister Rakgare in his speech commended Kgosi Dihutso for the passion and dedication he has displayed over the last 25 years as court president. “It is very important that we honour the work he has done for us and continue the legacy he has laid. As political leaders it is vital that we strive to speak on behalf of the tribal court to see to it that they are given back the authority they used to have such as giving land and solving marital issues,” he said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Kgosi Dihutso who will be succeeded by his son, Prince Dihutso- as per tradition, reminisced the highlights and low-lights of his days as court president.
“This line of royalty was first started by my late father Basiang Dihutso, who laid a foundation to this village. It was in 1995 that my Father asked me to be his ‘s successor. Things were not easy as already I had spent years working as an electrician at Botswana Power Cooperation. Immediately I had to submit to my calling. Back then when I began my reign, Mogoditshane village was full of rascals and I had to see to it that order was restored. Today the village is better than it was though it is still work in progress. My wish is to see criminals being disciplined as I had always done and the next leader must carry this legacy,” he said.
Moreover, Kgosi Dihutso clarified that his son, Prince Dihutso’s coronation had been rescheduled to a date to be communicated due to the Covid-19 social distancing requirements.
In honour for his exceptional service, appreciative members of the community presented Kgosi Dihutso with gifts which conveniently included livestock for his farming retirement.
