Mokhotlong __ Members of the Mofolaneng Grazing Association have been urged to work with the chief to preserve improvements that include pastures.

The appeal was made by the Mokhotlong District Administrator (DA) Mr. Kepa Keqe when addressing the public at a gathering held at Mofolaneng Moreneng in the district on Friday.

The gathering was intended to address conflicts over ranges between the Chiefs, Grazing Association and some members of the community reported to the DA office several times.Mr. Keqe said the grazing association should cooperate, work with the Chief and ensure that they plan development activities in as far as ranges and other grazing related activities are concerned at Mofolaneng.

Allegations indicated that the grazing association was no longer working together with the Chief when it came to protection of ranges hence the public gathering to address the matter.

The DA reminded the association that the Chief and Community Councilors are members of the grazing association by virtue of the offices they hold and therefore members are bound to work with the local authorities for protection of development projects in their area.

At the same event, the Mofolaneng Chief Relebohile Lethunya thanked the DA for intervening in the conflicts between him and the association.

He said the conflicts which resulted from destroying of reserved ranges by some members of the public who let livestock to graze over them needed this kind of intervention and to remind the association and the rest of the public about the importance of protecting development activities in the area.

The Agency learnt at the public gathering that conflicts on ranges have been going on for over a year now and that brought divisions amongst the villagers as there were those who spoke publicly that the association should be dissolved as members were no longer respectful to the Chief while others were against the Chief as they claimed that the Chief has also contributed in the conflicts with his livestock that graze without permit.