The sole applicant in the case, Moipone Moroka, represented by Andries Petrus Berry, is challenging the Commission on Traditional Leadership, Disputes and Claims’ report on the succession matter on the grounds that the House of Traditional Healers was not consulted in the investigation. 

Moroka was identified during proceedings on 29 July 2019 as a senior traditional healer for the clan, something which was disputed by the legal counsel for one of the seven respondents in the matter, which include the Free State Premier, President of South Africa, and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. 

The Office of the Free State Premier, represented by Senior Counsel Simmy Lebala who was assisted by Lawrence Manye, argues the application was “an appeal dressed as a review” because the applicant is of the view the provincial government’s decision and report was wrong.

The three-year report found in favour of the alleged rightful heir Kingsley Moroka, a direct descendent of Kgosi Moroka. In 2014, the then Chieftain, Gao Moroka (wife of the late Albert Moroka), had been requested to step down to allow Kingsley Moroka to take the throne. Lebala says the House of Traditional Healers was invited to the commission, further asking where is the prejudice? He goes on to say the commission was convened because it is neutral and the House is not. Berry argues while the House was invited, they were not necessarily consulted in the matter.

Courtroom G, where judgment will be delivered, is packed full to capacity with many members of the clan present, including those from the House of Traditional Healers.

OFM News