The Bapedi nation is experiencing internal conflict following the appointment of former minister and ANC heavyweight Advocate Ngoako Ramathlodi as its first prime minister.
The announcement was made by the Bapedi Royal family during a media briefing in Sandton on Wednesday, leaving some elders shocked and feeling excluded from the decision-making process.
Critics within the royal council expressed their discontent, stating they were unaware of the announcement and had not been consulted about the selection of a prime minister.
The controversy intensified as the announcement was made by Kabelo Matsepe, now known as Prince Mampuru Sekwati, who is embroiled in the VBS scandal.
Matsepe is one of the 14 accused in the R2.3 billion scandal that devastated many investors, leaving them penniless after alleged looting.
Matsepe’s involvement raised eyebrows, particularly as he is accused of being closely linked to former ANC provincial Treasurer Danny Msiza, who is also facing trial.
Despite this, Matsepe was supported by members of the royal family, including Prince Phatudi Thulare, the younger brother of the late King Victor Thulare, who passed away due to Covid-19 nearly four years ago.
Some elders, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, expressed their disapproval of the announcement.
One prominent family member said: “I want nothing to do with this. This is going to divide our nation after we fought to build it for years. I personally have nothing against the advocate (Ramathlodi), but there has to be a thorough process and it has to be done by the rightful owners of the land.”
Another elder suggested that the announcement was merely a precursor to finding the late King’s successor.
Speaking in Sepedi, he remarked: “I don’t think it’s about the prime minister. We have been functioning without one for years. I think it’s about power — who will be able to shift power so a new king can be under their control. That’s all!”
During the briefing, Matsepe described Ramathlodi’s role as the mouthpiece of the Bapedi Nation, akin to Thulasizwe Buthelezi for the Zulu Nation.
He asserted that Ramathlodi’s appointment was based on merit and experience, statin: “Advocate Ramathlodi is Prince Semane of Bakwena. His appointment followed a vigorous search process for an individual who can fit the role of a prime minister.”
Ramathlodi has an extensive political background, having served as the first premier of Limpopo from 1994 to 2004. He has held various senior positions, including minister of mineral resources, public service and administration, and deputy minister of correctional services.
Additionally, he is one of the longest-serving ANC NEC members, having been part of the highest decision-making structure since 1991.
Attempts to reach Ramathlodi for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The Star