Traditional community structures

Kgotla

The Kgotla is the cornerstone of political, administrative and social life in the RBN. It serves as the most inclusive community structure, bringing together family groups or clans (dikutle), often connected by blood or marriage (kutle or kgoroana).

The RBN community is made up of 29 villages, each organised into 72 makgotla (wards). 70 makgotla are led by Dikgosana, while two are led by elected chairpersons.

Kgotla meetings take place at least once a month and are chaired by the Kgosana or a designated ward representative. These gatherings are a key platform for decision-making, consultation and community participation.

Roles of Kgotla:
  • Community records: maintains a register of families, births, deaths, marriages, divorces and demographic data.
  • Development planning: identifies community needs, monitors the implementation of the master plan and recommends eligible members for subsidies.
  • Education and empowerment: promotes learning, supports bursary recommendations and verifies proof of residence.
  • Community engagement: keeps records of meetings, community concerns and feedback.
  • Conflict resolution: mediates and presides over traditional and customary disputes and refers complex matters when necessary.

Kgosana

A Kgosana is the headman and leader of the kgotla as per Bafokeng customs. Each Kgosana leads a ward (Kgotla) and plays a central role in traditional leadership and community affairs.

Traditional Councillors

The RBN Traditional Council was established in terms of Act 41 of 2003 and the North West Traditional Leadership and Governance Act No 2 of 2005 which stipulate that the Council should comprise 60% Kgosi-appointed councillors and 40% democratically elected councillors. The Acts also prescribe that a third of the Traditional Councillors should be women. Their mandate is to govern the RBN together with Dikgosana and bring development to the RBN.

Supreme Council

The Supreme Council of the RBN is the highest consultative body in the community. Quarterly, or when important decisions affecting the entire community need to be made, the Kgosi convenes the Supreme Council. This is a body chaired by the Kgosi and consists of the Council of Dikgosana (70 headmen), the Traditional Council (18 councillors) and two chairpersons. This council ensures that important matters are discussed with broad representation from across the Nation, keeping tradition and transparency at the heart of RBN governance.