Advocate Ngoako Ramatlhodi has been chosen to speak for the Bapedi Nation.
Image: Masi Losi
Former minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi has been appointed as the first-ever prime minister of the Bapedi Nation.
In this new role, Ramatlhodi will serve as the primary spokesperson for the Bapedi people.
According to Mampuru Sekwati, a member of the Bapedi royal family, Ramatlhodi’s appointment was driven by his extensive government experience and his royal lineage.
“Advocate Ramatlhodi is Prince Semane of Bakwena. The selection of Advocate Ngoako Abel Ramatlhodi (Semane) followed a rigorous process to find someone with the qualifications to serve as prime minister. This appointment is based purely on merit,” said Sekwati.
Ramatlhodi’s political career spans several decades, beginning in 1994 when he became the first premier of Limpopo, a position he held for a decade.
He has also served in various senior government roles, including as minister of mineral resources, public service and administration, and deputy minister of correctional services.
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A prominent figure within the African National Congress, Ramatlhodi was a member of its National Executive Committee (NEC) for over three decades, from 1991 until the 2022 Nasrec conference.
At 69 years old, his transition into traditional leadership is seen as a pivotal step as the Bapedi Nation seeks to leverage the abundant mineral resources in Limpopo for economic development.
Ramatlhodi’s appointment also underscores the Bapedi Nation’s ongoing efforts to secure equal recognition and treatment among the various South African kingdoms.
Ngoako Ramatlhodi Appointed First-ever Prime Minister of the Bapedi Nation