The Chieftainship Department's vision is that it shall maintain an apolitical efficient, respectable and accountable chieftainship institution.
Its mission is to strive to maintain the service-oriented character of a dignified, reputable chieftainship institution by enhancing its peacekeeping role, dynamism and flexibility to allow for the evolution of modern ideas of governance and coexistence therewith.
The Chieftainship Department has responsibility for the administration and support of the chieftainship system; customary law; ceremonial matters and traditions and customs. The role of Chiefs and the work of the Department is formalised under the Chieftainship Act, 1968.
A key role of the Department is to supervise and oversee the proper implementation of Chieftainship policy by backstopping and guiding chiefs in the day- to-day execution of their duties. The Department's headquarters serves as the last level administration appeal in Chieftainship disputes.
The Administration and Support division of the Department is responsible for processing chiefs' allowances and providing infrastructural support for technical staff carrying out the Department's core business of implementing policy and advising chiefs.
The Customary Law division plays an advisory role for chiefs. Chiefs are the custodians of culture, customs and traditions in Basotho society. Customary marriage takes place before chiefs; they also proscribe punishments for certain transgressions such as damage to crops, adultery, and pre-marital sex. Other duties of chiefs include providing guidance for establishing the place within a family of an illegitimate child and advising people of the correct times for certain activities such as widows removing their mourning clothes to avoid natural disasters such as hailstorms.
It is the direct duty of government to assist with funerals of any of the 22 principal chiefs who pass away. The Ceremonial Matters division of the department plays a key role in carrying out the government's responsibilities in this area. This division is also instrumental in supporting the organisation of installation ceremonies for new chiefs which are conducted by His Majesty the King.
The Traditions and Customs division is largely concerned with issues to do with initiation schools for both girls and boys. There is no legislation which governs these schools; their administration is based on custom and tradition. Chiefs are charged with ensuring that initiation schools are run properly and according to Basotho custom. This includes making decisions about how the initiation process should be conducted, who should be initiated, what the initiation age should be and the protection of initiates.
Principal Chiefs' contact details |
