In a historic move, Ngoako Ramatlhodi has been named the first-ever prime minister of the Bapedi Nation. His deep-rooted political experience and royal lineage played a pivotal role in securing the position, according to royal family member Mampuru Sekwati.
Ramatlhodi’s appointment is akin to that of Thulasizwe Buthelezi, who serves as the prime minister for the Zulu Nation. Sekwati emphasised that Ramatlhodi’s qualifications were unmatched: “Advocate Ramatlhodi is Prince Semane of Bakwena. His selection followed a thorough process to identify someone who embodies the qualities of a prime minister. The appointment is based solely on merit.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Ramatlhodi’s political career dates back to the dawn of South Africa’s democracy. He served as the first premier of Limpopo in 1994, holding the position for a decade. Over the years, he has held key roles, including minister of mineral resources, minister of public service and administration, and deputy minister of correctional services.
Additionally, Ramatlhodi has been a long-standing member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), serving from 1991 until the party’s 2022 Nasrec conference.
Transition to Traditional Leadership
At 69 years old, Ramatlhodi’s transition from national politics to traditional leadership is seen as a strategic move. The Bapedi Nation seeks to strengthen its role in benefiting from Limpopo’s rich mineral resources. His leadership is expected to play a key role in securing the community’s economic interests.
Sekwati highlighted that Ramatlhodi’s appointment also aims to address disparities in how South African kingdoms are treated. “We maintain a close relationship with the Zulu Nation, but there are glaring differences in government support. While the Zulu Nation receives around R70 million annually, the Bapedi Nation is allocated only R12 million,” Sekwati noted.
He further stressed that the inequality is a systemic issue: “This is not the fault of the Zulu Nation but a failure of government policy. There is no standardised approach to how kingdoms are supported.”
A Step Toward Equality
Ramatlhodi’s appointment marks a significant moment for the Bapedi Nation’s quest for recognition and fair treatment. His leadership is expected to champion the fight for equitable resource distribution and ensure the Bapedi Nation’s voice is heard at the national level.
As South Africa’s traditional leaders continue to play vital roles in their communities, Ramatlhodi’s new role reflects a broader push for greater recognition of all kingdoms within the country.
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