On Tuesday, 26 January 2026, the Royal Family of Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela in Moruleng formally received the Certificate of Recognition confirming Molefe Nyalala John Pilane as Kgosi of the Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela community, in Moruleng, South Africa.
The ceremony took place at the Mphebatho Cultural Museum in Moruleng, North West, and was officiated by the Premier of the North West Province, Mr Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, together with the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Mr Gaoage Oageng Molapisi. This occasion marked a significant milestone for the Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela community and reaffirmed the constitutional and legislative processes that underpin traditional leadership in South Africa.
The recognition follows a judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal, which highlighted systemic shortcomings in the administration of traditional leadership disputes under the North West Traditional Leadership and Governance Act. The Court’s decision to set aside the Premier’s earlier actions underscored the fundamental importance of the rule of law and adherence to the principle of legality in matters affecting traditional governance.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from local and national government, members of the Royal Family, senior traditional leaders, and distinguished guests, including the President of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena. Their presence reflected the significance of this moment not only for the Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela community, but for the broader institution of traditional leadership in the country.
This recognition affirms the unity, continuity, and stability of the Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela leadership and signals a renewed commitment to serving the community with integrity, accountability, and respect for the law.
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