This was one of the sentiments expressed by the protesters outside the Matlwang hall during the election of the Communal Property Association (CPA) committee of the Barolong-boo-Modiboa tribe on Sunday, 14 May.

This tribe is broadly recognised as the legitimate beneficiaries of Matlwang village, situated 10 kilometres outside Potchefstroom. However, according to Kedi Lerefolo, the spokesperson of the non-beneficiaries who were protesting, about 90 per cent of those living in Matlwang village are non-beneficiaries and are, therefore, excluded from taking part in the CPA elections. ‘Leadership must come from the village. How can you lead the people when you live kilometres away from the village? The NW405 municipality recognises them as the residents of Matlwang village but the CPA does not. It is the community that gave their input during the recent integrated development plan (IDP) meetings,’ she said. They asked for a satellite police station, quality health services, jobs and access to electricity and water.

The non-beneficiaries of the village, also derogatorily referred to as the bakopi (beggars) raised the issue of the deep-rooted problems in the village. Among their many grievances is the fact that only the Barolong have taps in their yards, while it takes everyone else 15 to 30 minutes to get to the nearest water source.

 

The election went ahead with a police presence and about 800 Barolong cast their votes. In the end, Matshidiso Selogiloe was voted in as the chairperson of the committee. This champion for human rights and anti-corruption has promised to make changes and uplift the community.

According to Khotso Rathikoane, the deputy secretary of the newly- appointed committee, Selogiloe is the right person to lead the people and bring about much-needed services in the community. ‘The previous committees failed to bring about any changes for the Barolong in 23 years. Because of personal interest and gain, the R2.5 million that was allocated for a boom gate has gone missing and our livestock is dwindling in numbers. The Hawks have already completed their investigations; the guilty party will be held accountable and jailed for this corruption,’ he said. ‘The previous committee was allowed to run and contest the elections. They continued in office and abused the resources of the tribe, even after being disbanded,’

He added that the new committee would bring about service delivery, employment and youth upliftment. ‘We will also assist the non-beneficiaries because they are also South Africans. We will source expertise from them,’ he promised.