Yoruba Afrique: November 2012

…I immediately imagine many cringing at the thought of African aristocratic rulers. A friend of mine paints a mental picture of an old dark-hued man with a bulky belly, sitting on a gold-carved armchair flaunting his riches and indulging in his polygamist ways.
For many, they can’t comprehend an African king that’s progressive and relevant in a society that’s grappling with poverty and preventable diseases.

Well…meet Kgosi Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi, the current King of the Bafokeng Nation located in the Rustenburg Valley (North West province, South Africa).

Kgosi Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi
(36^threcorded king)

The Bafokeng nation is inclusive of 29 villages that boast some of the most innovative approaches to sustainable development in Africa.

Let me put you in the picture – The Bafokeng nation’s land overlies a valuable portion of the Bushveld Complex, the richest know reserve of platinum group metals and chrome in the world. In the 19^thcentury upon contact with Europeans visionary predecessors (Kgosi Leruo’s ancestors) ensured that the communally held land survived white rule.

Royal Bafokeng Hotel

Today this African community led by Kgosi Leruo benefits from these professional structures; Royal Bafokeng Holdings (Manages the Bafokeng investment portfolio), Royal Bafokeng Sports (Oversees commercial and developmental sporting programmes), Royal Bafokeng Enterprise Development (Supports and incubates SMMEs), Royal Bafokeng Institute (Education reform, vocational training and leadership development) and the Royal Bafokeng Administration (Provides infrastructure and social services to the community).

Lebone College

Lebone College classroom

Transparency and accountability is kept in check by the Bafokeng Supreme Council made up of hereditary headmen and elected women and men who form the traditional legislature and abide by Bafokeng customary law and the South African Constitution.

Continuing the legacy inherited from their ancestors the Bafokeng Nation has formulated a development mission that will diversify its economic investments and infrastructural development. You have to see this (http://www.bafokeng.com/future/masterplan)

Royal Bafokeng Nation Masterplan

“The comprehensive plan makes provision for the population more than doubling…Importantly, Masterplan has not been drawn up in isolation. On the contrary, at a regional level it has been designed…At a macro level it accords with the vision and spirit of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).”
(Kgosi Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi, Royal Bafokeng Nation Masterplan on Target for 2035, Pg. 3)

Sources: http://www.bafokeng.com , http://www.bafokengholdings.com, http://www.bafokengplatinum.co.za/ , http://www.bafokengsportscampus.co.za/ , http://www.lebonecollege.co.za/

My Queen of Sheba feature for this post – 3 inspiring African women

A gargantuan African drum beat to these 3 women who were selected in the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women