Kgosi Malope II unimpressed as nemesis changes surname

 

In a new twist to the recent Bangwaketse saga, Metlhaeno Gaseitsewe, a nephew in the Gaseitsewe family and a cousin to Bangwaketse paramount chief Kgosi Malope II, is taking a step to adopt a double-barrel surname, incorporating his maternal grandfather's name.

Metlhaeno Gaseitsewe, now Metlhaeno Gaseitsewe-Bathoen, claims to have had an agreement with Kgosi Bathoen II, affectionately known as B2, who was his maternal grandfather and acted as a father figure.

Following B2's passing almost three decades ago, Metlhaeno claims to be fulfilling his grandfather's wishes by incorporating both his maternal surnames into his first name to revive the name, Bathoen.

Speaking to The Midweek Sun this week about his action, which has shocked the Bangwaketse leadership, Metlhaeno, a nephew in the Gaseitsewe family, claims that the Gaseitsewe surname has lost its relevance, being used by anyone, even those who do not belong to the family lineage.

Additionally, the Gaseitsewe surname is also used by the Bangwaketse paramount chief, Malope II. 'Ke tswa mo sefaneng sa mongwe le mongwe (I am quitting this common surname)' Metlhaeno said.

He further claimed that his grandfather Bathoen II, long convinced him to use the surname, under the same excuse that Gaseitsewe name is overused.

'It is still an application in the government Gazette, the name change has not yet been approved, but it is a decision that I have also discussed with my mother,' Metlhaeno explained.

Metlhaeno recently wrote an embarrassing letter to his cousin, insulting him and asserting that he is not the rightful Bangwaketse heir, as he is not Seepapitso IV's biological son.

This letter marks the second instance, following one sent by the time of Malope’s wedding preparations in 2022. After receiving the second letter, which was also copied to other tribal leaders and Malope II's wife, Bangwaketse residents were called to a meeting.

During this gathering, the contents of the second letter were shared publicly with everyone present. Bangwaketse elders then defended their chief by questioning Metlhaeno's mental state.

'I have written the second letter, and my intention is not to give up until Malope II resigns from power. I am planning legal steps to force him out of power. It is not going to end with just the letter I wrote,' Metlhaeno vowed.

Responding to Metlhaeno's recent actions, Deputy Chief Kebapetse Telekelo expressed that he lives in fear after reading the letter and hearing distasteful words suggesting that Kgosi Malope does not have royal blood and his days were numbered.

However, he also stated that Metlhaeno has insulted his uncles and shown disrespect to them and Kgosi Malope II's wife. The elderly chief even shed a tear before the gathered residents.

Questioned about Metlhaeno's decision to change his surname to a double barrel, the tribal leaders expressed shock at his action and suggested that he use his biological father's surname.

Kgosi Malope II said he is not amused by Metlhaeno’s actions. 'He should change to his father's name,' Malope II said.

Commenting on this, the Gaseitsewe family aunt, Serwalo Gaseitsewe, also expressed shock at Metlhaeno's decision to change his surname and said his reasoning is not true.

'I was one of the people who were caretakers of Kgosi Bathoen II before he died in Gaborone; he never had any agreement with Metlhaeno,' Serwalo Gaseitsewe said.

She however did not see anything wrong with it if he has agreed with his mother to use his grandfather's surname.

Asked if he intends to add his biological father's surname to the double-barrel maternal surname, Metlhaeno explained that being a nephew from the Gaseitsewe family, traditionally if the mother is not married, a nephew adopts the uncle's surnames and often perceives them as parents.

'Whoever says I should go and use my father's name is belittling the tradition,' he emphasised. Metlhaeno is adamant that Leema, as the eldest son of Kgosi Seepapitso IV, died leaving a son behind, who he believes is now the rightful Bangwaketse heir.

'I have to step in to defend the only remaining elderly relatives, who are all women, in addressing family issues and setting things right again because the male relatives are no longer alive,' Metlhaeno asserted.