PHOKENG, 09 November 2023: The Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) wishes to reiterate that Rre Elias Lekgotla Setuke is neither a Kgosana nor a Kgosi within the Royal Bafokeng Nation.
Despite ongoing false claims by Rre Elias Lekgotla Setuke and his associates, he is not recognised as a traditional leader at any level – be it, the village of Lefaragatlhe (Kgotla ya Raphafana) or any other village, clan or structure within the RBN.
The false claims by Rre Elias Lekgotla Setuke and his associates included, amongst others, that he was crowned as Kgosi of Bashiga Ba Raphafana in March 2021, and before that, that he was Kgosana of the village Lefaragatlhe (Kgotla ya Raphafana).
Customary law dictates the inheritance of traditional leadership through the eldest son. This means that the only legitimate and recognised Kgosana of the village of Lefaragatle (Kgotla ya Raphafana) is Kgosana Elias Bontsho Setuke’s eldest son, Kgosana Boikanyo Gerson Setuke. Rre Elias Lekgotla Setuke’s father, Rre Remosweu Setuke, was the son of the younger son of the late Kgosana Frederick Setuke. Any claim by Rre Elias Lekgotla Setuke and his associates that he is a legitimate and recognised traditional leader is untrue and not supported by customary law.
The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has confirmed to RBN that it has no record of Rre Elias Lekgotla Setuke having been recognised by the Provincial Government, as a traditional leader. The Department also has no record of a recognised traditional community called Bashiga Ba Raphafana.
Rre Elias Lekgotla Setuke’s false claims have previously forced the RBN to take legal action against him and his associates, in respect of his alleged involvement (along with his associates)
in illegal chrome mining activities on the Royal Bafokeng Nation owned land. The RBN succeeded in obtaining interim court orders against Rre Elias Lekgotla Setuke and his associates, directing them to desist from continuing with their actions.
Unfortunately, Rre Elias Lekgotla Setuke and his associates – driven purely by self-interest – continue to spread these falsehoods despite the court orders from the High Court interdicting him from portraying himself as a traditional leader.
Important warning to our communities
In addition to categorically refuting Rre Elias Lekgotla Setuke’s claims, the RBN is issuing a warning to all members of the community, potential land buyers and any other third parties that Rre Elias Lekgotla Setuke has no authority to conduct any activities or responsibilities of leadership – including allocation of land or resources (including houses, title deeds, mining rights), or the adjudication of disputes and disagreements, within the RBN.
The RBN will, consequently, continue to use every legal means at its disposal to stop these activities.
Contact:
Bashi L Makgale
Director of Operations
Office of Kgosi
Email:
ABOUT THE ROYAL BAFOKENG NATION:
The Royal Bafokeng Nation is a traditionally governed community of about 150 000 people living in 29 villages and owning 1 400 km2 of land in the North West Province of South Africa. It strives to be socially, economically and environmentally sustainable, and remains true to its African heritage and traditions. The vision of the Royal Bafokeng Nation is to be a relevant and innovative traditional African community in a changing world. The plan of the Royal Bafokeng Nation is to contribute to a nation of healthy individuals who live in dignity, are proud of their identity and traditional heritage, and exercise stewardship of their resources. This is achieved through investment in the skills, community welfare initiatives and infrastructure required to grow and diversify the Nation’s economy and create inter-generational wealth.