Kgoši KK Sekhukhune : Picture Sourced – Bopedi Fcaebook Page
The Sekhukhune royal family has confirmed the passing of Kgoshi Kgagudi Kenneth Sekhukhune. Kgoshi Sekhukhune died on Sunday, following a long illness.
Kgoshi Kgagudi Kenneth Sekhukhune passed away at the age of 78. He was the regent of the Bapedi Kingdom from 1978 until 2020, following a long court battle.
The royal spokesperson, Marisane Leseilane says Sekhukhune was a man of great stature, while leading the Bapedi nation.
“Kgoshi Kgagudi Kenneth Sekhukhune prioritised community development by building schools and clinics. He fostered reconciliation with the British and Scottish, and established the Royal Bapedi Nation Trust, enabling the Bapedi people to acquire farms and properties. He was revered for his care and dedication to his community and nation,” Leseilane said.
The royal family says funeral preparations are under way and an announcement will be made in due course.
KK Sekhukhune, was born in 1945. He is the first born son of the King Morwamotshe. He was crowned a King of Bapedi Nation and Kgoshi of Marota Mohlaletse in 1976.
KK Sekhukhune first married Maakopi in 1976 and had seven children together. In 1980 he also married Khudu, with whom he shared three children.
He reined for 46 years as the chief of Marota Mohlaletse Senior traditional council, and 44 years as the King of Bapedi nation.
COGHSTA MEC Makamu Sends Condolences
MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Mr Basikopo Makamu send his deep-seated condolences to the Royal Family of the late Kgoshi Kgagudi Kenneth Sekhukhune (Hlabirwa ‘A Buaba), his relatives and the entire Marota Mohlaletse Traditional community.
“The untimely loss of yet another Senior Traditional Leader in the province within weeks have filled the Provincial Government, as led by the Premier, and the COGHSTA department with sorrow. Robala ka kgotso Kgoshi Sekhukhune,” MEC Biskopo Makamu said.
MEC Makamu conveyed his sympathies to the Royal Family of Hlabirwa’aBauba and his residents located under the Sekhukhune District Municipality.